Catalans star Luke Walsh forced to retire due to injuries

Catalans Dragons half-back Luke Walsh has announced his retirement after failing to recover from an ankle injury.

The 30-year-old arrived at the club from St Helens ahead of the 2017 season and made 29 appearances for the Dragons, scoring 204 points in total.

And Walsh has now taken up professional medical advice to retire from the sport with the aim of preventing further damage to his ankle, which he sustained during Catalans’ clash with Hull KR in February.

On his retirement, he said: “I would like to thank the club for the support since I arrived, obviously the fans as well, all the players, I have made some good friends here and the coaching staff, especially Laurent Frayssinous who recruited me to the club.

“I wish all the best to the boys for the rest of the year and for the future of the club.”

Dragons head coach, Steve McNamara, said: “It’s always sad when a player has to retire early due to injury.

“Luke has tried everything possible to get himself into a position to play again but unfortunately that can’t happen. His commitment and contribution to the Dragons is something we as a club really appreciate.”

Christophe Jouffret, Dragons chief executive, added: “Walshy has been a great player for our club who always produced brilliant and consistent performances.

“His capacity to organise, his kicking game and his professionalism both on and off the field were second to none.”