FORMER Worcester Warriors centre Alex Grove will call time on his playing career at the end of the season with Coventry.

The 30-year-old ex-Scotland international came through the academy at Warriors and went on to score 29 tries in 153 games after making his debut in 2006.

His long spell at Sixways came to end in the summer of 2016 as he dropped into National One with Birmingham Moseley and then Coventry.

Grove has helped the Blue and Whites to gain promotion to the Championship this season but has decided to call it a day.

“Business and family are very much the reasons for stopping,” Grove said.

“Over the last couple of years, since I left Worcester, I’ve been getting my business interests outside rugby off the ground, that’s gaining momentum, and last summer, from a family point of view, we had our first child (daughter Imogen), so there’s lots going on.

“My main aim at Coventry was to play whatever role I could in helping them to win promotion, I’ve really enjoyed this season, and I think it’s a good note to go out on."

Grove, who has won three caps for Scotland, is hoping to finish the campaign with two strong performances for Coventry against Darlington Mowden Park and Hull Ionians.

“There’s two games to go and I don’t want to tempt fate, but my body is just about intact so it will be nice going out on my terms as well," Grove said.

“It just seems right. I’m still enjoying my rugby, but I don’t want to get to a point where I’m not and it’s becoming a chore.

”Much like my school report would read, I’m sure I could have done better in my rugby career.

"But I enjoyed school and got a bit out of it, and I’ve very much enjoyed my rugby – I’ve been fortunate enough to get paid some money for something I enjoy and which I never viewed as a job.”

He added: “I’m just grateful for having the opportunity at Coventry. I told Rowland (Winter) that I wanted to be part of an ambitious team and, as a player, I think you always appreciate that chance regardless of what level that is.

“I’m sure Cov will do well next season, and I’ll still be a supporter.”