Graham Rowntree will make his 398th and final first-team appearance for Leicester Tigers in Sunday's PwC Challenge Cup match against Argentina at Welford Road. The long-serving loosehead prop, who made his Tigers debut in 1990, is now a member of the club's coaching staff but will make a farewell appearance against international opposition this weekend.
"I have had some incredible times at this club and I cannot imagine playing for anyone else," said 35-year-old Rowntree who made his name in the game as part of Leicester's ABC Club alongside Richard Cockerill and Darren Garforth.
He played a part in five league championship-winning sides, four domestic cup finals and three Heineken Cup finals, as well as gaining 54 England caps and touring with the British & Irish Lions twice. Rowntree also picked up the club's outstanding service award on two occasions and was this year recognised with an outstanding service award from the Rugby Union Writers' Club.
"Winning the Heineken Cup in Paris in 2001 is my best-ever rugby memory but I have had incredible good fortune in being involved with this club for so long, to have won some great things here and with some incredible players," Rowntree said.
"I would not change a single thing in my time here because I have had so many high points with this club. Leicester Tigers is in my blood. Now I want to work on becoming the best coach that I can be."
Tigers head coach Pat Howard said: "Graham has been a great servant to the club over the years and playing in Sunday's game will be a great way to celebrate the career of a fantastic player for Leicester and England.
"His loyalty to the club has been immense. He loves Leicester and the club loves him."
Tickets for the PwC Challenge Cup match between Leicester Tigers and Argentina (kick-off 3pm) are on sale now.
All junior tickets are priced at just £5.
Contact the Tigers ticket office on 08701 28 34 30 or www.leicestertigers.com
"I have had some incredible times at this club and I cannot imagine playing for anyone else," said 35-year-old Rowntree who made his name in the game as part of Leicester's ABC Club alongside Richard Cockerill and Darren Garforth.
He played a part in five league championship-winning sides, four domestic cup finals and three Heineken Cup finals, as well as gaining 54 England caps and touring with the British & Irish Lions twice. Rowntree also picked up the club's outstanding service award on two occasions and was this year recognised with an outstanding service award from the Rugby Union Writers' Club.
"Winning the Heineken Cup in Paris in 2001 is my best-ever rugby memory but I have had incredible good fortune in being involved with this club for so long, to have won some great things here and with some incredible players," Rowntree said.
"I would not change a single thing in my time here because I have had so many high points with this club. Leicester Tigers is in my blood. Now I want to work on becoming the best coach that I can be."
Tigers head coach Pat Howard said: "Graham has been a great servant to the club over the years and playing in Sunday's game will be a great way to celebrate the career of a fantastic player for Leicester and England.
"His loyalty to the club has been immense. He loves Leicester and the club loves him."
Tickets for the PwC Challenge Cup match between Leicester Tigers and Argentina (kick-off 3pm) are on sale now.
All junior tickets are priced at just £5.
Contact the Tigers ticket office on 08701 28 34 30 or www.leicestertigers.com
