SOUTHEND’S Simon Hoult has decided to retire from semi-professional rugby after eight years at Warners Bridge.

The 31-year-old, who played mainly at full-back, was a prolific points scorer during his lengthy spell with the Seasiders.

But he has now decided to take up a player coach role with London Two North East side Chelmsford.

“I’m leaving Southend with a heavy heart because I’ve had some great times there, but I think the time is right now,” said Hoult. “It’s something I had been thinking over for a while due to the state of my body and the travelling for all the matches gets to you after a while too.

“Going up and down the country every week takes it toll, but it was still a very tough decision to have to make.”

Hoult was originally told to quit the sport two seasons ago due to the state of his knees.

However, he ignored medical opinion to extend his professional career.

“I have no cartilage in my knees and have holes in the bones there too, so I was told to stop playing a while ago,” said Hoult, who was nicknamed Sid by his Southend team-mates.

“I didn’t listen to that advice though and was able to have to another couple of seasons which I enjoyed.”

Prior to that, Hoult had played a prominent part in Southend’s rapid rise up the leagues.

And he holds a number of happy memories from his time at the club.

“Winning the old National Three to win promotion was probably my favourite memory but there are loads of them if I’m honest,” said Hoult.

“Staying up the following year was also a great achievement and so was playing with so many amazing players.

“Southend is a really good club and I’d like to wish all the lads the very best for the future.

“I will be down to watch as many games as I can and I think they will do well again next season.”

Hoult will also be hoping to succeed with Chelmsford.

He started playing for his home-town at the age of four and is now looking forward to heading back.

“My career has gone full circle now and it’s a new challenge I’m excited about,” said Hoult.

“There will be less pressure than in the National Leagues and being a coach is something different for me too.”

But Hoult will certainly be missed at Southend and the club’s director of rugby Chris Green was quick to praise his former team-mate.

“Sid came to the club two years after I did and he really bought in to the club on and off the pitch,” said Green.

“He really cared about the club and took an interest in everything we did rather than just turning up to play on a Saturday and then going back home. Younger players coming through now should learn from the way he conducted himself and we wish him all the best at Chelmsford.”