Sam Burgess announces immediate retirement

Drew Darbyshire 30 Oct 2019 7:29 AM

South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Sam Burgess has announced that he will retire from playing rugby league with immediate effect.

The 30-year-old will hang up his boots due to a chronic left shoulder condition that only became apparent earlier this year after routine surgery.

Burgess made 270 first-grade appearances for South Sydney and Bradford since making his professional debut in 2006. He earned 24 caps for England and two for Great Britain.

He said: “I have loved absolutely every minute; the highs, the lows; the Grand Final; coming home; my injuries; my dates with the judiciary. It really has been a fantastic ride.

“This decision was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my life, however the decision was out of my hands essentially. I am no longer able to be myself day in, day out on the training field and consequently the playing field.

“I’d like to encourage everyone to smile as they read this. Let’s all remember what we have done together as a club over the past decade rather than what’s not to be in the coming years.

“My family have been by my side the whole way, on and off the field. I love you all so much.”

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