Lovegrove to retire

Bradford Bulls forward Rhys Lovegrove has been forced to hang up his boots after a head injury.

Lovegrove spent most his career with Hull KR but also played for London and Bradford.

The 29-year old last played for the Bulls in the Challenge Cup game where he suffered a serious concussion.

Due to the head injury he has been forced to retire and now joins Bradford’s backroom staff.
 
Lovegrove played 132 games for Hull KR between 2007 and 2014, after joining them from St George Illawarra. He made 20 appearances for the Broncos last year before joining Bradford.

Lovegrove was a member of the Australian Schoolboys in 2004.

He is joining the Bulls’ coaching staff and he will be involved in the Academy programme, primarily focussing on the strength and conditioning aspect of their development, as well as gameday involvement. 
 
“It’s unfortunate the circumstance that Rhys prematurely finished his career in his time with the Bulls as a player,” Bradford coach Rohan Smith said.
 
“But Rhys has got a lot to offer as far as development of youth goes, plus he’ll be a part of our physical performance staff, so he’s got an opportunity to add some skills there.
 
“Rhys is extremely experienced and he’s been at several NRL clubs as well as playing Super League for a long time.
 
“He’s played under some great coaches and he’s seen a lot of good systems.
 
“Rhys has got plenty of knowledge and a real appetite for helping people, which is the area where he can bring the young players along to help them become a pro as quick as they can.”