He’s played for Richmond, Bristol, Sale and Toulon, so you could argue that loosehead prop Andrew Sheridan is a man who continually sought a tougher test; a bigger scrap. Now he has called time on his career, due to a long-term a neck injury.

It wasn’t a bad run the big man had. He won a Premiership title and a Challenge Cup with Sale. He was a key player in Toulon’s 2013 Heineken Cup triumph. He had 40 England caps, going on two Rugby World Cup trips, the first as a key member of the finalists’ side in France in 2007, the second in 2011 – a trip unfortunately cut short after one game because of a shoulder injury.

He also toured New Zealand with the 2005 Lions, but was not used in the any of the Tests. Four years after that he played in two Tests against South Africa with the touring side.

There have been highs, which may perhaps soften the blow of ending his playing days. What’s next? Well according to his management: “Andrew will now focus on completing his qualifications in wine, before looking to forge a new career in the trade.”

So there you go: wine. A happy ending of sorts. Lets not feel too down for Sheridan, but rather revel in some of these fine pictures, taken throughout the prop’s career. Maybe there are a few images here you’ve never seen before…