Cueto calls it quits
England and British and Irish Lions wing Mark Cueto will retire at the end of the season, the 35-year-old Sale Sharks player announced on Wednesday.
"The time has finally come to end my career and I would like to thank the owners, the coaches, backroom staff and the office staff who down the years have helped me in my career," Cueto told a press conference at Sale's training ground in Manchester.
"When I made my debut at Bristol back in 2001, I could hardly have dreamed that I would play for Sale Sharks for 14 seasons, represented my country all over the world and played with and against some of the all-time greats."
Cueto has made 294 appearances for Sale and is the all-time leading try-scorer in the English Premiership with 87 tries.
He played 55 times for England, scoring 20 tries and appearing at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, and toured with the Lions in 2005.
Cueto also toured with the B&I Lions to New Zealand in 2005 and played in the final Test match.
He will remain at Sale in a commercial role and will also become the club's first ambassador.
"A professional sports club rarely experiences having the pleasure of retaining a player for their entire career so I'd like to thank Mark for his sterling commitment for the last 14 years," said Sale Chief Executive Jonny Kennedy.
"Whilst at the club, Mark has achieved honours for England and the British & Irish Lions and is the premiership top try scorer of all time.
"His commitment and loyalty to both club and country are an inspiration to all and are values that will greatly assist him in his business career.
"I'm delighted that Mark is continuing his involvement with the club as an ambassador, amongst his duties he will be hosting the private executive boxes on match days at the stadium. He is popular with the sponsors and the fans and will hopefully play a big part in the clubs progress in the years to come."
