Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

Lee Dickson's club career highlight was helping to beat Saracens 24-20 at Twickenham to win the Premiership in 2014

Former Northampton and England scrum-half Lee Dickson, now with Championship side Bedford Blues, is to retire at the end of the 2018-19 season.

Dickson, 33, is to become 'master in charge of rugby' at Barnard Castle School in County Durham, where both he and his elder brother Karl went.

He joined Bedford from Northampton as player-coach in 2017, since when he has scored five tries in 40 games.

"This is one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make," he said.

"And one that I haven't made lightly. I've had two fantastic years at Bedford Blues. But, ultimately, I always wanted to finish my career on my own terms rather than being forced into a decision.

"The timing feels right for both me and my family. I've been offered a fantastic opportunity to bring through the next batch of rugby stars."

Dickson joined Saints from Newcastle in 2008, going on to make more than 250 appearances over nine seasons, during which time he won the first of his 18 England caps.

Karl Dickson is now a qualified top flight referee after retiring two years ago, at the age of 35.