Smith retires at Gloucester

Rugby Union

Tim Smith, the second highest points scorer in Gloucester's history, is to retire from the first-class game at the end of this season.

The full-back, who played a key role in the club's recent Courage League One victory over title-chasing Bath, is considering a move into local club rugby and also has ambitions to join Richard Hill's new coaching set-up at Kingsholm.

Smith, who will be 34 next month, has made 348 first-team appearances in 14 years at Gloucester. During that time he has collected 2,737 points - second only to Peter Butler.

Cockermouth, the Cumbrian club, have been relegated two divisions in the Courage Clubs' Championship after falsifying a match result card for their North West One game against Blackburn. Originally they faced a 12- month ban after being found guilty of playing three ineligible players in the game.