CALDY RFC scrum-half Chris Pilgrim is to leave the Championship club at the end of the season after he announced his retirement from rugby.

The 38-year-old former Nottingham, Newcastle and Leeds professional spent the past two years at Paton Field after joining from Anselmians, which sandwiched an earlier one-year stint, at the Ravers.

He has made 58 appearances for the Ravers and has been integral to the side's success in the Championship over the past two seasons.

Gareth Davies, Caldy's Director of Rugby, said: “Chris has now been with us for two spells and since his return two years ago has shown everyone what it takes to be a full time professional and why he was thought of so highly in the professional game.

"A wealth of knowledge and a great character in the team environment. Chris has completely bought in to the Caldy ethos and way of life and I hope enjoyed the last two years and proved to himself how much fun rugby can be even at Level 2.

"Thanks for coming back Chris and we will no doubt see you on the bank next season.”

Caldy captain,  JJ Dickinson, added: “We are going to miss Chris tremendously.

"He has a wealth of experience which has helped us on the pitch and on the training ground.

"But we will miss him for more than that, he is a top bloke and a great example of professionalism. He looks after himself and has been a top role model to the younger lads. The physios won’t know what to do now he isn’t on the bed for an hour for his weekly foot rub.”