Matt Hodgson has announced his retirement from professional rugby, after 12 seasons with Western Force.
Hodgson, 35, announced to his teammates on Thursday that he would be retiring at the end of the season, concluding a career that has seen him play 139 Super Rugby matches for the Force and 11 Tests for Australia.
The former Force captain, who played in the team's first match, against the Brumbies in 2006, said it was "a privilege to be able to retire on my own terms while still playing the brand of rugby I've always strived to deliver".
"The last few years I have enjoyed being the captain and being part of the coaching team at the Force. It has made my decision to retire from playing easier; as I know that I have many ways to contribute to the team without the broken bones and stitches.
The Force are fighting for their place in Australian rugby, after the ARU announced earlier this year that they or the Melbourne Rebels would be cut from the competition as part of a move to rationalise the competition, and Hodgson paid tribute to the club's fans.
"Thank you to every member of the Sea of Blue whose love and passion for rugby lifted me up in the hardest times and shared the joy of every high. No fans in any sport are as loyal and passionate as our Sea of Blue. We have done it hard but we have always done it together. It is because of you that I stayed in WA and have proudly made it my home for the future.
"I'm proud that over the last 12 years WA has become a new generation stronghold of rugby in this country. Our value and real contribution to the game is undeniable at a grassroots level through to the national level. I am excited to be continuing my investment in rugby in this state as I take up a role within the Force organisation moving forward."
Force coach Dave Wessels described Hodgson as "the life and soul of our club".
"He's been an incredible support to me and the rest of the team over the last few months, which I will always be very grateful for."
Wessels said he was thrilled with the decision of Hodgson to remain at the Force in a coaching role.
"We're delighted that he's agreed to join us in a coaching capacity next season and will add a huge amount to our group."