FORMER England fly-half Freddie Burns has called time on his rugby career after nearly two decades.

The 36-year-old, who signed for Romanian side Dinamo Bucuresti last summer, thanked supporters and took a jab at his early-career critics in an announcement on Instagram.

Burns, who won the Premiership title with Leicester in 2022 and played five times for his country, enjoyed a continent-spanning career that also included spells in England, Japan and New Zealand.

He wrote: “As a child, I dreamed of playing just one minute of professional rugby. To have lived this career for almost two decades is more than I ever imagined. I feel incredibly fortunate.

“To Cinderford, Gloucester, Leicester, Bath, the Highlanders, Shokki and Dinamo, thank you for allowing me to live out my dream. It was a privilege to represent every one of you.

“To have represented my country will always have been the greatest honour of my career. Nothing will ever compare to pulling on that jersey.

“To every team-mate, opponent, coach, physio, S&C coach, analyst, team manager, translator and intern who shared this journey with me – thank you. Each one of you shaped me in ways you’ll probably never know.”

Burns scored a last-minute drop goal to secure Leicester victory in the 2022 Premiership final.

He made his England debut in December 2012, replacing Owen Farrell in a 38-21 victory over New Zealand.

He continued: “To every supporter who wears their team colours with pride, thank you. I hope I gave you as many reasons to be proud of your team as you gave me reasons to be proud to represent it.”

Bath-born Burns also thanked his family and his long-time agent, Nick Robinson, and took a cheeky jab, accompanied by a winking emoji, at his critics, saying: “To those who said I was too small and would never make it, f*** you.”

Burns added: “Rugby taught me many things, but above all it taught me resilience. The setbacks made the successes sweeter, and the challenges shaped the person I am today.

“Thank you, rugby.”