Paice calls time on his playing career

London Irish legend David Paice will retire at the end of the season after more than 14 years on from making his first-team debut for the Exiles. 

The one club man, 34, is Irish’s most capped player having clocked up 288 appearances during an illustrious playing career that has seen him win eight England caps.

It all started back in 2003 when Australian-born Paice got the chance to join Irish’s academy, with the tenacious hooker making his senior bow against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens the following year. Paice has since achieved legendary status at the club, appearances in the pulsating 2008 Heineken Cup semi-final and the 2009 Premiership final high points of his career.  

Paice or ‘Paicey’ as he is known to his teammates, led the Exiles to promotion from the Championship during the 2016/17 campaign, the play-off final triumph over Yorkshire Carnegie sparking scenes of celebration as he lifted the trophy. 

While enjoying a stellar career with Irish, the committed front-rower also underlined his credentials on the international stage, making his England debut against New Zealand during their 2008 summer tour.