Brian Strong is retiring from rugby at the age of 55.

The Gosford All Blacks hooker joined the club as a colt and has remained a committed player ever since Kidlington-born Strong’s last match will be Gosford’s over 30s versus under 30s clash on May 8.

“I have a number of volunteers willing to burn my boots after that game,” said Strong.

He added: “I am proud to say I have been a ‘one-club’ player.

“That has everything to do with Gosford All Blacks being a fantastic club. I never felt the need to go anywhere else.

“I do know I have now got to the stage where I am noticably doing far less things well. It’s time to retire.

“I don’t want to, I don’t need to physically, but I have to for fear of becoming a plonker!

“I still feel like I’m 22, until I play against a 22-year-old, and there are far too many of them.”

Strong’s posts at Gosford include president, chairman and club captain.

Gosford press officer Mike Rhymes said: “He is an industrious director of Apollo Windows in Pony Road, but has always made time to devote to his beloved rugby club at Gosford where he is so well respected.

“Often persons of this quality disappear into the woodwork after they pack up playing and are not duly afforded the recognition they richly deserve.

“We hope that doesn’t happen to Brian.”