Jack Hennings said Bournemouth’s South West Premier promotion was the perfect end to his rugby career.
The powerful forward, who has played both in the back row and the second row this season in their successful campaign, is hanging up his boots at the age of 35.
With the Lions winning promotion to the fourth tier of English rugby next season, Hennings said he must start concentrating on other aspects of life.
He said: “I’m 35 now and I have got to concentrate on other stuff now - my career, my girlfriend and just personal life issues as they go so I thought this was the right time to finish.
“I never say never but right now I’m just happy to finish on a high with a win and with a promotion.
“Of course I’m going to miss playing because I have been doing it since I was 11-years-old, so that will be 24 years I have been playing the game.”
Predominantly a backrow forward and powerful ball carrier, Hennings has shown great versatility and commitment by stepping up into the engine room when called upon.
Hennings has been at the club for ten years, and has enjoyed many ups and downs in that decade at Chapel Gate.
The versatile forward says the bonds he has struck up with his team-mates will stay with him forever after seeing Will Croker’s men win 25 out of 26 this season.
He added: “I started at the club in 2009/2010, so I have been at the club for ten years so that is ten years wrapped up at the club and what an amazing experience!
“There have been highs and there have been lows but I tell you what they are the

best bunch of lads that anyone will ever play with.
“Everyone that you speak to who comes here in their first season - they all say they just cannot believe how good it is here.
“I just hope more people come here and see what is available here because it is a great game of rugby here and a great set of lads.
“From all of the players to the back room staff, to the supporters and players from one to 18 - it is an amazing club.”