THE advice of doctors is probably one of the only things that could have stopped him playing the game he loves.

Millbrook Rugby Club's loyal and dedicated forward Mike Mulcahy will bring the curtain down on his 27-year -playing career at the Lordshill-based club today.

But if it was up to him he would still be turning out for the first team again next season.

Mike, 44, known within the club as Dino', was diagnosed with a heart condition that will require him to undergo open heart surgery next Wednesday. It means he can no longer play the game he loves.

To mark his farewell appearance and celebrate his career Millbrook Vets will play local rivals Southampton Vets at the club's Lordshill Rec home ground on Redbridge Lane.

On what is sure to be an emotional occasion the Millbrook side will feature some of Mike's colleagues past and present, some who have dusted off their boots and come out of retirement to play in the one-off game.

Married father-of-two Mike, of Bealing Close, Bassett, said: "It is going to be a big wrench to stop playing rugby.

"I always thought that when I stopped it would be on my terms rather than something like this. Hanging up my boots is not something I was planning on doing this year or maybe even next."