Rochdale winger Dale Bloomfield announces retirement

Rochdale winger Dale Bloomfield has announced his retirement from the sport.

Bloomfield, 33, returned to the Crown Oil Arena for his third stint with the club ahead of the 2020 season, and 2021 is his seventh season with the Hornets.

He was a part of the club’s historic 2016 League 1 play-off winning side in Toulouse, and has also featured for Oldham, North Wales Crusaders and Hunslet.

Bloomfield wrote on social media: “After 27 years of playing rugby it’s finally time to call it a day. My body just isn’t up for it anymore and I don’t want to let myself, teammates or fans down not being able to perform how I would like to.

“Thank you to all the clubs that have had me, the coaches and the fans who have supported me. There’s no better sport and I’ve met some great blokes who will be friends for life. Time to spend some time with my girlfriend and son. Bloomers.”

🐝 Everyone at the club would like to thank @Bloomers5 for all his efforts in a Rochdale Hornets shirt and wish him all the best for the future.

We hope to see him cheer on the squad at the Crown Oil Arena in the near future!

🗞️ https://t.co/6UhIW90xly https://t.co/6M4sbFBqHG pic.twitter.com/e1uPvc6P8J

— Rochdale Hornets (@RochdaleHornets) June 18, 2021