GOLDING SETS RETIREMENT DATE
Capped by England at Under-19 and Saxons Level, the 30-year-old has made 133 appearances during his seven years on Tyneside.
A product of the Leicester Tigers Academy, the Morpeth-born front-rower launched his professional career with Northampton Saints in 2003 where he spent two seasons before making the switch to Rotherham Titans.
After a solid two-year stint with the South Yorkshire club, Golding earned himself a move to his native North East in 2006 where he became a regular starter for the Falcons alongside New Zealand international Carl Hayman.
An impressive 2009-10 campaign for the northeasterners culminated in a call-up to Martin Johnson’s England squad that toured Australia.
Speaking to Falcons TV, Golding said: “I have had a good career which has spanned 13 years and I have enjoyed every minute of my time in the game.
“It is a decision that I have not taken lightly, and it is one that I have taken my time over, talking to my wife and family.
“But I have got my head around it now, and it is something that I want to do.”
Explaining his next career move, Golding said: “I am looking to go into business and it will be a good challenge for me.
“My family have been very supportive of what I am doing – I am going to massively miss what I have been doing here at Kingston Park after putting a lot into the game.”
Revealing his career highlight was joining the Falcons, Golding said: “My best moment was signing for Newcastle Falcons when I got the opportunity from then director of rugby Rob Andrew to come back to the North East.
“I love the area and all of my memories here are great despite having some bad times along the way. Things are now looking up at the club, and there are exciting times ahead.
“My focus is to now put all of my energy into helping the Falcons get promoted back to the Aviva Premiership where a club of this magnitude belongs.”
Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Jonny [Golding] has been a fantastic servant for Newcastle Falcons, a club that I know is very close to his heart.
“He is a very talented prop, whose presence will be missed at Kingston Park, and I, along with everyone at the club would like to wish him all the very best for the future.”
You can watch the full interview with Golding on Falcons TV by clicking here.
