LONDON Irish duo Andrew Fenby and Tom Guest have retired from professional rugby with immediate effect.

Thirty-year-old former Reading Chronicle columnist Fenby, who played wing or full back, is a qualified chartered accountant and will now pursue in the career in the city.

He said: “I have really enjoyed my time with London Irish and it is with a heavy heart that I have come to make this decision and pursue a new opportunity.

“London Irish have fantastic facilities and there is an infrastructure in place that should allow the club to make an immediate return to the Aviva Premiership and realise its ambitions in years to come."

Fenby was a prolific finisher and amassed 126 tries in 214 games during his career, playing for Blaydon, Newcastle, Scarlets and London Irish.

He joined Exiles in 2013, crossing the whitewash 28 times in 61 appearances for the club.

He was Irish's top try scorer during his first campaign, and played a key role in Exiles’ run to the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup in the 2014-15 season. He scored a hat-trick against Edinburgh in the same competition this season.

London Irish Head of Rugby Operations Glenn Delaney said: “Andrew has been a great professional throughout his time with the Club and we would like to send our best wishes to him and his family.

“He has a fantastic opportunity in the City and I’m sure he will have a successful career post rugby.” 

Guest, meanwhile, enjoyed 12 years at Harlequins before moving to London Irish in 2014.

The 31-year-old former England Saxons back row scored three tries in 30 appearances for Exiles.