Newcastle locks Mark Andrews and Garath Archer have both announced they are retiring from the game.

Andrews, capped 77 times by South Africa and a member of the Springboks' 1995 World Cup-winning team, will head home to Durban when his 18-month Falcons contract expires next month.

And Archer, who won the last of his 21 England caps against Scotland four years ago, is to step down after being plagued by back problems.

''There comes a time when you have to listen to your body, and that time is now,'' said 29-year-old Archer. ''I've enjoyed my career here and at Bristol, and what better way to go out than with a cup win at Twickenham?''

Archer featured in Newcastle's starting line-up during their stirring 37-33 Powergen Cup final victory over Sale Sharks at Twickenham last Saturday.

Archer's England career began in 1996, making his Test debut while a Bristol player, and he featured throughout the 1998 Five Nations campaign. He also made two appearances during the 1999 World Cup.

Andrews joined the Falcons last term after rejecting a two-year contract to play club rugby in Japan.

His appearances were restricted this season by a knee injury, while his wife Deborah experienced a difficult six-week period which, happily, ended well with the birth of their second son Xavier.

''I was so chuffed when the boys won,'' said 32-year-old Andrews, recalling the Powergen final.

''I would have loved to have played a part. I've played in nine finals, and I know how much it will mean to the guys, but you have to keep things in perspective, and the last six weeks have been very tough with my wife and child.

''I am so pleased that everything has worked out fine for us and for the club.

''When I came over to England to play for Newcastle, it was either going to be here or two years in Japan and then I would call it a day, and that's what I'm doing now. It is time to retire, hang up the boots and head back to Durban.

''I plan to take a long break from rugby and do something else for the next two or three years.''

With Andrews and Archer both retiring, and skipper Hugh Vyvyan joining Saracens next season, a second-row recruit will top Falcons' summer spending plans.