Rob Purdham officially confirms retirement

Rob Purdham has announced his retirement from professional rugby league.

Purdham announced in September he would be leaving Harlequins RL and move back to Cumbria, but has now decided to retire from the game permanently.

The decision comes off the back medical advice, and returning home to spend time with his family after losing his brother Garry in the Cumbrian shootings last year.

Purdham said: “I have enjoyed every minute of being a professional player and my 10 years in London will live with me forever.

“I have met and played with some very special people over the years and feel very privileged to have done so. I wish London Broncos all the best for the future.”

Purdham started his career at Whitehaven before moving to London where he made 178 appearances for London Broncos/Harlequins. He represented England on 12 occasions, including during the 2008 World Cup.

Purdham paid tribute to his testimonial committee which oversaw his final year in the nation’s capital.

He said: “The Testimonial has been very hard work for everyone involved and it would never have happened without a great committee. It has gone very well so far even without a Testimonial game, which we couldn’t get the go-ahead from the club.”