Former Wigan Warrior and England threequarter Darrell Goulding has brought his career to an end at the age of 27 on medical advice after suffering a series of concussion injuries.
Goulding, a member of Wigan’s double-winning team of 2013, joined Hull KR on a three-year contract at the start of the season but made only eight appearances for the Robins.
Goulding, who played for England in the 2010 Four Nations Series, was taken from the field in his last match at Castleford in April with concussion and, after seeing a variety of specialists, has decided to hang up his boots.
“I’ve had a lot of head injuries and concussions over the years and it’s probably a case of picking up one too many,” Goulding said.
“Obviously I’m gutted because I never expected to retire at 27 and I’ve been really enjoying my time with Rovers, so it’s come as a massive shock really.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of medical people and specialists and they’re concerned about the long-term damage I could do by playing on.
“I’ve got to think about my health after rugby and, while every player just wants to get back out on the field, the time comes where you’ve got to listen to what these people are telling you.
“I’d stay like to stay involved in the sport in some way. It’s what I’ve known for so many years, I’ve got a lot of experience out on the field and probably helping the younger players coming through is what I’ll be looking at.”
Hull KR coach Chris Chester said: “We’re all devastated for Darrell. He’s a great bloke and it’s very cruel for his career to come to an end this way.
“It’s never nice to see somebody in the prime of their career have to retire through injury but Darrell’s long-term health has to come first and we wish him all the very best for the future.”
The former Wigan St Patrick’s amateur scored 72 tries in 175 appearances for his home-club Wigan.
Warriors rugby director Kris Radlinski said: “Darrell is a very unassuming guy. He should be very proud at what he has achieved in his career.
“The retirement of a rugby player is inevitable – every player knows it is coming but nothing prepares you for knowing that you will never lace up the boots again.
“This is another reminder that the game we love is played by great athletes who put their careers and livelihood on the line every time they take the field.”
State of Mind would like to wish Darrell all the very best for his future caareer