Ex-Hull FC and Warrington Wolves man Oliver Holmes posts farewell message after retirement

Oliver Holmes has taken to social media with a message after confirming his retirement at the age of 32. The now former Hull FC man announced his decision to hang up his boots on Wednesday evening, half way through a season which has been plagued by injury.

The back-rower has made just one appearance for Hull, the club he joined from Leigh Leopards in the off-season and that came in February as the club saw off York Acorn in the Challenge Cup. Since then, he has struggled with a knee injury and despite undergoing surgery in March, he couldn’t make a Super League appearance for the Black and Whites.

After several frustrating months, Holmes has decided to step away from the game following a 15 year spell at the top level. The Yorkshireman started his career at Castleford Tigers and made 229 appearances in 11 years there before moving on at the end of the 2021 season to take in spells at Warrington Wolves, Leigh Leopards and Hull FC.

He amassed over 280 appearances in total with his highlight coming in 2023 when he lifted the Challenge Cup at Leigh. Holmes also collected one England cap after representing his country in 2018.

After Hull’s initial statement to confirm his retirement, Holmes took to Instagram with a farewell message to the sport.

“It’s not over till the fat lady sings, unfortunately she’s singing,” Holmes wrote. “Time has come to call time on my career, the mind still wanted it but the body couldn’t do it anymore.

“Just a lad from Normy who got to live out his childhood dream for over 15 years! What more could you ask for?

“I’ve made some unbelievable memories over the years, made a lot of friends for life and learnt a whole lot along the way and I wouldn’t change a thing!

“All athletes want to be able to retire on their own terms and that’s the hardest part with that being taken away but such is life and sport.

“Time to take some time off and take stock before starting the next chapter.

“It’s been one hell of a ride! Peace out.”

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