Falcons Winter ponders retirement

Winter was a Currie Cup winner in South Africa with the Lions

Newcastle flanker Russell Winter has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old South African has been with the Falcons since 2006 but admitted he is contemplating hanging up his boots for good.

He told BBC Newcastle: "I would love to keep on playing forever, I know once I stop I'll miss it tremendously.

"I'd love to think I can stay on, but I've got to be honest with myself and I think it's time to call it a day."

During his career Winter has played for Johannesburg Lions in the Currie Cup, the Cats and the Sharks at Super level, as well as for the Falcons.

And Winter believes he is lucky to have enjoyed such a fruitful career, both here and in his native country.

"I've never won the Super 14, but I've been involved in the semi-finals, I've won a Currie Cup, and been involved in two finals," he added.

"I've loved every single minute with the Falcons, I wish I'd come here a little earlier, with the players that Newcastle have, we could definitely have achieved a whole lot more.

"We've not done too badly, I've enjoyed my time here, it's been an awesome, fantastic ride for us, and hopefully we (Winter and his family) can stay here."