Warriors prop calls time on his career

The influential loosehead, one of Warriors’ top performers since joining from Newport Gwent Dragons in 2009, will hang up his boots to concentrate on business interests.

The experienced campaigner, who turns 36 later this month and has also played for Wasps, Sale and Bedford, wants to go out on a high by ensuring Premiership promotion by beating Pirates at Sixways.

“Adam’s determination to help the Warriors return to the Premiership has been inspiring,” said head coach Richard Hill.

“In the semi-final against Bedford, in the closing minutes when we had a series of scrums, he turned to Greg Rawlinson and told him that was not going to be his last game. That sums up his desire and passion for the club.

“He is one of the larger-than-life characters at the club who has made a massive impact both on and off the field. His experience and enthusiasm has been a huge asset and he never gets down and looks for the positive no matter what.

“That optimism means the dressing room is always an upbeat place with the right atmosphere.

“Adam’s maturity and guidance also helped bring on players like Oliver Tomaszczyk this season.

“When you are coming towards the end of your playing career it can be easy to just coast home.

“But Adam has never let his standards drop and got fitter as this season has gone on and cemented his place in the front row.

“We would have loved to keep him on, but he has made the decision to concentrate on life after rugby and new opportunities.”

Black said: “I know it’s the right time for me to retire. It was always going to be a hard decision to make, especially when the club was keen for me to stay, but I’ve always said one of the main things I wanted to do was retire myself rather than be retired.

“A fantastic opportunity has come up to make something else for myself away from rugby and it is only right for me and my family that I take it.”