Castleford hooker Ryan Hudson has announced that he is to retire at the end of the season.
Hudson, 32, has played seven seasons for the Tigers in two spells and for three of those (2004, 2009, and 2010) he has been the club’s captain. He has also played for Wakefield and Huddersfield, the club with who he made his first team debut in 1998.
Hudson said: “I’m ready for a change. My body feels okay, but mentally I’m ready. I feel Cas is my hometown club, I’ve been here for seven seasons and I feel that I’ve had the best years of my career here as well as captaining Yorkshire and playing for Great Britain while at Cas.
“I’m excited about the future ahead, we’ve launched the Elite Rugby Academy (with team-mate Danny Orr) and I’ve also a few other options I’m looking into.”
While his mind is made to stop playing at the end of the season, Hudson still feels there is unfinished business to conduct as a player.
He added: “It has been a frustrating year, none more so than for the fans. It would be good to get some wins and to be a part of the club picking up momentum going into next year.
“I’m thankful for the support the fans and club have given me over the years and I hope to go out with a bang.”
Tigers chief executive Steve Ferres said: “I was fortunate to meet Ryan early in his career when I signed him from Huddersfield to Wakefield and see him progress to the status of an International player.
“It was always clear that Ryan had an enthusiasm and passion for the game and his performances on the field reflected that. I’d like to wish Ryan a happy retirement and hope that he continues to be involved in our great game.”