Championship stalwart Rob Worrincy to retire at season’s end

Sheffield winger Rob Worrincy has announced he will retire from rugby league at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old winger has decided to hang up his boots and focus on life away from the sport following a stellar 18-year playing career.

Worrincy has made almost 350 career appearances for London Broncos, Castleford, Halifax, Dewsbury and Sheffield.

Worrincy said: “It was a really, really tough decision.

“Playing any sport in general is enjoyable but doing it professionally is something to be truly grateful of. 

“I’ve enjoyed my playing career and it’s been in the back of my mind for the last couple of years that I’m coming to the backend of it. 

“For one reason or another I’ve managed to talk myself out of it but now I think the time is right. With the way things have turned out, finding myself back at the Eagles, it feels like a fitting time to call it the end. 

“From starting out playing as a 14-year-old lad in London, in a football-dominating area, there were never any aspirations to make it as a pro. 

“I’m really, really lucky in terms of the opportunities I’ve had and there has been hard work, determination and setbacks in there too.

“Ultimately, it has been a pleasure to have made the memories and meet the people I have along the way.”

Sheffield coach Mark Aston said: “Rob has been a consummate professional throughout his time at Sheffield Eagles.

“I always say that once a player leaves, he leaves and there are only a few rare occurrences I’ve re-signed a player after they’ve departed.

“We’ve had Rob with us on four separate occasions so he is absolutely an exception to that rule and that’s a testament to just what a special individual he is.”

Worrincy won a League 1 Grand Final with Sheffield as well as a Northern Rail Cup and Championship Grand Final with Halifax.