Tashon DeSilva has made the tough decision to retire from the Bermuda rugby sevens team.

The 39-year-old has opted to call time on his 13-year career with the sevens team, with his last appearance coming at the conclusion of the Rugby Americas North Sevens Olympic qualifying campaign last week.

While DeSilva, who captained the squad in British Columbia, admits the decision comes with a heavy heart, he is adamant the timing is right.

“I’ve been playing with the sevens team since 2010 and it was definitely a tough decision to step away,” said DeSilva, who cut an emotional figure as he left the field following Bermuda’s 31-0 defeat to Barbados in the fifth-place play-off match.

“It was a really emotional moment walking off at the end of the game because part of me didn’t want to let it go. However, it was also really special to be able to finish my career as captain of the squad.

“I’m in no doubt that the body would allow me to keep going for some time yet, but I know it is the right time to retire. I can look back on a lot of fond memories, like playing at the CAC Games and various other tournaments, but I’m happy to end my time knowing I’ve played my part and enjoyed being part of something special to me.”

Despite DeSilva remaining physically capable of prolonging his career, the need for the development of younger talent to come through the ranks proved a major driving factor in the timing of his choice.

The Bermuda squad suffered a major injury crisis at the Olympic qualifiers, with the loss of key senior personnel leaving head coach Jamie Barnwell heavily reliant on youth.

While those players equipped themselves admirably in heavy defeats to Mexico, United States, Jamaica and Barbados, the evident need for greater experience at the highest level further reinforced DeSilva’s belief he needs to clear the path for emerging talent.

“The time is right for those younger players to have a pathway to further their development,” he added. “The team needs those younger players coming through and help the team to continue to progress.

“While it is hard for me to let go, I want others to come through and shine. I really enjoyed playing with the younger players at the qualifiers, but there has to come a time when players like myself cannot hold their hands any more. They need to see what is needed and what they have to do.”

Although DeSilva is steadfast in his belief that there is enough talent coming through the ranks, he has warned those younger players that the onus is on them to seize the opportunity.

“There is enough quality coming through to help the team to continue to progress,” he said. “However, it is up to those individuals, to really push themselves.

“Do they really want to do this and be a part of something special going forward? They have to be motivated.

“When I started out, I wanted to keep getting better and pushed myself to be the level of those around me, guys like Tom Healy. I learnt a lot along the way and was inspired to want to be better.

“I can see a clear improvement in terms of the younger players coming through, but they have to stay interested and really want it.

“I’ve always said you have to be able to follow before you can lead. I followed the guys before me and now they need to come through and do the same.

“I hope that I was a bit of a role model in the same way others were to me, and maybe I still can be moving forward.”

DeSilva has not ruled out the possibility of using his experience and knowledge in a coaching capacity should the opportunity arise.

“I haven’t discussed anything yet with Jamie [Barnwell] but it is something I would definitely like to do,” he added.

“Maybe I could help out with the forwards, if that was a possibility. I told the players at the end of the Barbados match that even though I’m stepping away from playing, I still want to help them in any way that I can.”