WASPS back Josh Lewsey has revealed he will retire from rugby at the end of the season - to take on a new challenge, climbing Mount Everest.

The 32-year-old 2003 World Cup winner, who won 55 caps over 10 years, ended his international career last year and is now hoping to call time on his playing days by being part of this year's British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

Lewsey, who learned the game at Amersham and Chiltern said: "I have never taken part in a winning Lions Test series. I would dearly love to go."

Following Wasps' narrow win over Newcastle on Sunday -Lewsey now has just two games left for the Men in Black and director of rugby Ian McGeechan paid tribute to him.

He said: "There aren't many English backs who will go home with the silverware he's collected, with World Cups, 10 trophies with Wasps and a Lions tour.

"He's been hugely significant in English rugby and the same at the club."

McGeechan is in charge of this summer's Lions tour and he has told Lewsey he won't be picking the squad on sentiment.

He said: "I've told him he's got to be playing well first and foremost.

"I have to look at all the pluses in the squad we want, the mix and how that fits in so there's a bit of sorting still to be done in that respect."

Lewsey scored 22 tries for England, as well as winning Lions honours. He also helped Wasps win four Premiership titles, two Heineken Cups, a European Challenge Cup and two domestic cup successes.

Lewsey told yesterday's Sunday Times his next challenge would be an assault on Mount Everest next year, before joining an accountancy firm as a management consultant.

He said: "I am 32 and I suppose I could have gone on for a few more years.

"But Vanessa (his wife) is finishing her doctorate, you have to think about real life and responsibility, the possibility of a family.

"Rugby has been my home, I have played it since I was four but it is time for the next step and the next challenge.

"In life, that is where the excitement comes from. Everest is seen as the ultimate challenge. It has been a goal of mine since I was young."