Huddersfield Giants half back/hooker Luke Robinson has been forced to retire from rugby league with immediate effect.
The 31-year-old, who famously postponed his wedding in 2010 to play for England, took what he describes as ultimately an easy decision after consulting with specialists in relation to a hip injury.
In many ways the decision was taken out of my hands by listening in the cold light of day to what the specialist said. Put simply my long term mobility was greatly at risk if I continued to train and play the sport. You never want to hear those sorts of words and it does shock you but after a few days the message sinks in and you have to do what’s right for yourself and your family. I am blessed with a supportive family who have given so much support to me during my career that now is the time to give something back by taking proper advice and ensuring that I can do all the things that parents do with their children and whilst of course it’s with a heavy heart that I make this announcement it is the right course of action.
My immediate future will be rehabilitation from an operation which the club are fully supporting me through and then we have said we’ll sit down and look at where I can be of benefit to the club. Over these past few years I have come to regard this as my club and it’s the only one I want at be at and it is how I’ve felt for a good while now. I want to put something back into them and the local community that has been so supportive of my time here but we have said we’ll assess that as and when I am back mobile and able to contribute.
Words cannot describe how difficult it was telling the lads of the decision to hang the boots up – especially at the current moment when we are low on numbers – but as I keep saying I really have no choice. I still choke up a bit thinking of that speech the other day so I’m going to have to toughen up I guess if any media collar me to talk about things!“
Robinson was one of six Giants players to get into the 2010 England squad Credit: PA Huddersfield Giants managing director Richard Thewlis paid this fulsome tribute to Robinson:
This is a very sad day for all concerned but as he himself says it’s one that will allow him to move on to the next chapter of his Rugby league career safe and secure physically with every possible support we can give him. His record as a professional with over 375 games is one he must surely be hugely proud of and he has represented his country on many occasions. The club will, of course, be fully supportive of Luke after his operation and he has all our medical facilities available to him and when appropriate we will work out with him a future career path for him.
Huddersfield Giants managing director Richard Thewlis 