Bostock hangs up his boots

Featherstone forward Andy Bostock has announced his retirement from rugby league, after sustaining a career-ending knee injury.

Bostock, 32, was helped from the field during Featherstone’s Qualifiers battle with London Broncos.

And scans have revealed a serious anterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner injury, which requires in excess of 10 months of rehabilitation.

Bostock has called time on his career as a result, after spending seven seasons with Featherstone – scoring 44 tries in 155 appearances.

Prior to joining the Rovers, ahead of the 2011 campaign, Bostock enjoyed a five-year spell with hometown club Dewsbury Rams, where he appeared on 94 occasions.

Bostock, who bows out of the sport after making 249 career appearances in 12 memorable years, said: “First and foremost, I am really disappointed to be calling time on my career in this way.

“I think I have been playing pretty well and my body was feeling fine, so the idea of playing for at least another year was very much on the cards.

“This has come as a bit of a shock. I knew the injury wasn’t good but to think I would miss all of pre-season training and not play again until July – at the earliest – next year, has pretty much forced my hand.

“Although this isn’t on my terms, I can look back at my career with fond memories. I have had great times with Featherstone and will always be a fan of what is a great club.

“I would like to think I have given Featherstone a great deal over the years. I will definitely miss being out there on the field but cannot dwell on what has happened.

“The idea of sitting on an exercise bike for four or five months while the rest of the lads are out there training and playing doesn’t fill me with joy.

“I turn 33 in February and injuries have not been kind to me over the years. I need to focus a little more time on my business, and this will allow me to do so, which is something – away from rugby league – I am looking forward to.”