Julien Rinaldi announces retirement

London Broncos hooker Julien Rinaldi will hang up his boots after their Super League clash with Hull KR on Saturday.

Rinaldi, 33, began his career at home town club Villeneuve Leopards, before making the move to Super League with Wakefield. He has also played for Catalan and Bradford during eight years in the top flight.

He said: “I started thinking about retiring when I was struggling with an ankle injury earlier in the season. I managed to come back from that but it’s been a long time now I’ve been playing professionally and my body is telling me that it’s time to stop.

“It’s been a hard decision to make. There’s a really good group of people at the Broncos but I wanted to do the right thing by the club and myself.

“I’ve enjoyed every club I’ve played at during my career and made so many friends. That’s what I’m going to miss the most, and that’s the hardest part, but I’m looking forward to moving on and spending more time with my family in France and Australia.”

Rinaldi won 35 caps for the France national team, and played in the 2008 World Cup.

Broncos head coach Tony Rea said: “He’s a terrific man and a terrific player. It’s easy to tell he is French, like a good Red he just keeps on getting better with age. We all look forward to his last contribution on the field; it will be his best as usual.”