Sharpe set to retire

Long-time Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe is expected to announce on Friday that 2012 will be his last Investec Super Rugby season with the Western Force.

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The Force have scheduled a significant squad announcement for early Friday afternoon western time and Channel Ten in Perth has reported it will be Sharpe's Super Rugby retirement.

The 33-year-old signed a one-year contract extension in 2011 and is understood to have decided not to continue playing for the Force beyond his current deal.

The lineout specialist said in January he had expected to know early in 2012 whether he wished to continue his career.

"I'll make a call probably very early on in the season and that's something I'll come to pass in the next couple of months," Sharpe said.

Sharpe has played 101 times for the Wallabies and has notched nearly 150 Super Rugby caps since making his debut for the Queensland Reds in 1999.

After 71 games in seven seasons with the Reds, Sharpe was one of several high-profile recruits for the Perth club's inaugural season.

The Wagga Wagga native was appointed the Force's first captain and held that position until he was replaced by fellow forward David Pocock in January, which coach Richard Graham described as part of a succession plan.

The Force begin their 2012 season on February 24 against the Brumbies.