On May 11th the Saracens look to hoist the Champions Cup over Leinster and send their retiring 35-year-old wing David Strettle riding off into the sunset a champion.

"Death, taxes, and rugby players' retirement statements on social media... all certainties of life in this day and age," said the sharp-tongued David Strettle in his witty retirement caption.

Strettle started his senior career with Rotherham in 2002 and went on to make more than 325 club appearances for Harlequins, French club Clermont and Saracens, with whom he is now in a second spell.

With tributes like these you can understand why @David_Strettle will be missed by all on and off the field at Saracens. ? ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DyVOdP05gg

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) April 23, 2019

He also won 14 England caps.

"I spoke to my wife and we decided now is the time to say goodbye to rugby," said Strettle in a post on Instagram. "There are some more adventures for me elsewhere."

He added: "I'm lucky enough to be able to look back, be very proud and privileged to have done some of the things I've done.

"There was a time when I was at Clermont I thought I'd retire so everything from that point has been an unbelievable bonus for me and to come back to Saracens has been incredible."

A 17-year career that has seen him play for @RotherhamRugby, @Harlequins, @Saracens, @ASMOfficiel and @EnglandRugby will end at Allianz Park. ?@David_Strettle has announced he will retire at the end of the season. ⚫?

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) April 23, 2019

Strettle's first spell at Saracens saw him help the current English champions to their first Premiership title.

In France, he helped Clermont to their maiden Top 14 title in seven years before returning to north London club Saracens ahead of this season.

Strettle found himself thrust into Saracens' starting line-up for their European Champions Cup semi-final win over Munster last weekend after Sean Maitland suffered a hamstring injury in the warm-up.

He will aim to be involved again when they look to win the tournament for the third time in four years against title-holders Leinster in the final in Newcastle, England on May 11.

@Agence France-Presse