Brendan Venter will step down as player-coach of London Irish at the end of the season.

Venter wants to resume his medical career

The 33-year-old former Springbok centre plans to return to South Africa to resume his medical career.

And he will quit England and the Zurich Premiership when his contract runs out in June.

"I've had a great innings and a fantastic career and there comes a time to move on," Venter told planet-rugby.co.uk.

"My time has come. When I return to South Africa I will return to my medical practice."

Venter has ruled out any full-time rugby involvement after this season, although he may help out on a part-time basis if and when his medical commitments permit.

"I would enjoy doing some coaching, helping out in the afternoons somewhere, but there is no question of me coaching full time."