Leeds' longest-serving player Mike Shelley will retire from rugby at the end of this season following the Tykes' relegation from the Guinness Premiership.
The 34-year-old prop, who made his Leeds debut in 1996, has featured in 243 games for the Yorkshire club. He has decided to pursue a career outside the sport.
``Rugby has been a massive part of my life, but I only see it being a small part of my future,'' he said.
``Unfortunately, I was not able to give the 100% focus required of professional rugby players, and I never wanted to be in a position whereby I begrudged pulling on a Leeds shirt.
``I want to play for the right reasons - commitment, loyalty, ambitions and team-mates - and not just to make a living, and so I have taken the tough decision to retire.''
Tykes rugby director Phil Davies added: ``Mike has been the heartbeat of the club since his arrival, and he will leave some big shoes to fill in the future.
``As a player, he has risen to every challenge that has been set down to him, be it moving from the National Divisions to the Premiership, into the Heineken Cup or at representative level with England.
``One of the proudest moments of my time at Leeds was seeing Mike lift the Powergen Cup last season, and that is how I am sure many Leeds fans will remember him.''