AS Tynedale prepare for a new season, they will be without the services of one of their most dependable players of the past decade.

After 12 years of playing senior rugby at Corbridge, Jack Harrison, who captained the first team for four seasons until 2015, has called time on his playing days.

Tynedale, who start their pre-season programme on Saturday with a trip to Melrose, are looking in good shape ahead of the National League Two (North) campaign starting on September 2, particularly after a strong finish to last season.

But Harrison's full-blooded and fully committed attitude will be a big miss on match days.

He said: "I have been at Tynedale since I was six when my dad took me, and I feel like I have played enough rugby.

"My senior rugby kicked off at 18 and it's a big commitment playing such a full-on sport, and I felt I had done my time and I was ready to finish on a high really.

"Over those 12 years, I have played through some great times of promotion, and then some very strong seasons in National League One where we were up there with the top teams.

"There was also the struggle of relegation a few seasons ago, but I think we are in the right league for the club now. It's still a good standard, and there's more of an emphasis on being a community club again.

"I'm lucky that Tynedale has been my local club because it's such a great club, and it goes without saying I have enjoyed it hence why I have played here for so long.

"One highlight has definitely been captaining the first team and it was a massive honour, and was certainly a surprise when I first got asked by Tom Borthwick and John Shotton."

While Harrison is looking forward to giving his body a rest from the relentless knocks associated with the sport, he did hint that his retirement may not be permanent!

"I feel ready to finish at this level and will have this year off, but I will be down watching and, who knows, I may play the odd second or third team game in the future," he said.

When Harrison informed his teammates he intended to call it a day, there were accusations that his new marital status may have had something to do with the decision. He married Rachael in May.

However, he was keen to point out that the decision was entirely his!

He said: "It's got nothing to do with it, and it's more of a coincidence that I'm retiring after just getting married! Rachael's certainly got some flak for me hanging up the boots, but it's totally independent to that!"