NORTH Berwick rugby stalwart Grant Craig has donned the black and red jersey for the final time.

The 34-year-old stand-off has called time on a near 30-year career that has seen him represent the club at every age group.

The veteran, who joined the club in 1987, explained why he has decided to bring his career to an end.

He told Courier Sport: "I felt it was the right time. I still thoroughly enjoy playing but due to work commitments and the form of guys like Liam West I can't command a start anymore.

"I didn't ever fancy being told I was surplus to requirements, so this way it's on my terms."

Craig picked out some highlights of a near-30-year North Berwick career.

He said: "Playing with my two older brothers in the same back line was cool, and playing with my oldest nephew Taylor was awesome as well.

"The standout was winning the league and cup double in 2010. It's a tough league to win with only one getting promoted so it was a great achievement for the boys.

"Going to Murrayfield for the final and winning was really special – and the party after was outstanding.

"I also picked up player of the year that season, and that meant a lot."

Craig, a Melbourne Place resident, said he'll miss the "opportunity of winning things with your mates" but is hopeful of an exciting future for his hometown club.

And the 34-year-old admitted he took the decision to retire, rather than play elsewhere, after finding himself regularly consigned to the bench.

He added: "I made the decision when I was starting to get frustrated with a lack of game time. I'd always been pretty accepting when not selected but I was beginning to find that tougher.

"Not finishing as a sub made the decision easier, went out with a few highs. I've also just recently got engaged and that was a huge part of the timing feeling right."

And Craig thanked tw oteam mates for allowing him to lead the side for one last time against Murrayfield Wanderers.

"I really appreciated being captain for the last game, I just wish I'd played better!

"A big thanks to Grant [Spence] and Ben [Inglis] for giving me the opportunity.

"I loved my time as captain a few years ago and it was nice to lead the boys out again."

He will now turn his attention to coaching, an opportunity he is "buzzing to get stuck into."

The North Berwick legend added: "I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be involved in this new chapter for the club."