Budworth quits Wales after World Cup

Wales hooker Neil Budworth will quit international rugby league following their final group game against Cook Islands at Neath on Sunday.

Budworth, 31, played 83 times for Celtic Crusaders, including 27 Super League appearances, and is now based in Australia with Moranbah Miners.

He made his Wales debut against England in 2009 and has won 15 caps since then, helping Wales to win the European Cup in 2009 and 2010 on the way.

Budworth said: “It’s really good to be back in Wales again. I’ve enjoyed coming back to play for Wales Rugby League over the last five years, it’s been the pinnacle of my career.

“But this is my last year with Wales Rugby League. I’m going to retire from the international game after this and spend a bit of time with my partner in Australia.

“I’ve made a lot of friends in the area over the years and I hope to see many of them on Sunday when Wales take on Cook Islands in Neath. It’ll be nice to see a big crowd there with a lot of familiar faces and hopefully I can leave with a win.”