Lewis Tierney has announced his shock retirement from rugby league due to injury.
The former Wigan Warriors winger has been plying his trade with the Leigh Centurions after spending three seasons in the south of France with the Catalans Dragons most recently, but missed some of 2021 through injury.
And, now, he has been told my medical staff to hang up his boots.
Tierney posted on social media: “RL it’s been a pleasure!
“Unfortunately over the past few years I’ve been dealing with different injuries and this year its finally come to a head. The specialists said my chances of returning to the pitch after the operation I need is very slim. It’s been a tough few years trying to get on the pitch but this year has proved most difficult for me physically and mentally. I’ve decided that I need to put my health and happiness first for once and retire from rugby. My whole life has revolved around this great sport so being told you won’t play again is every players worst nightmare and a day I thought I personally would never see. But now the day has finally come and I’m getting stuck into my other business ventures I honestly couldn’t be happier in my decision to retire and move onto my next chapter.
“This great sport has allowed me to travel all over the world, play in some of the worlds best stadiums and win some of the most prestigious trophies on offer. My wildest childhood dreams have came true and I will be forever grateful and cherish those memories forever. Most importantly I’ve met some of the best lads anyone could ever ask for and made some best mates for life through this rum game we call RL.
“I want to thank my Mother Carolyn and my step father Paul. For the past 22 years they sacrificed absolutely everything to give me the best chance at achieving my dreams, without having them behind me week in week out none of this would have come true. I owe everything to them! I want to thank my uncle Martyn and my late Grandad Jack for always supporting me up and down the country, no matter what, they were there! My grandads final words were telling all the nurses on the ward about me winning at Wembley – he was my biggest fan and to think I made him proud makes all the injuries and tough times that come with playing this sport 100% worth it ❤️
“I want to thank the coaches and staff I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years we have some amazing memories that I will never forget! I want to thank all of the super league fans for making every game I’ve ever played in very special!
“God bless everyone. Philippians 4;13”
Tierney played 40 games for his hometown club Wigan between 2013 and 2017, but spent time on-loan at Workington and Catalans before joining the latter permanently ahead of the 2018 season.
The winger played 56 games for the Dragons and then moved to Leigh ahead of the 2021 season.
