One of the few men to make it to 300 Super League game has made the decision to retire, admitting “my body has had enough”.
Championship side Oldham have released a statement confirming that forward Craig Kopczak has called time on his career with the 38-year-old sending an honest and emotional message to the fans within that statement.
Kopczak first played professional rugby league in 2006 meaning that the 2025 campaign was the 20th of his career, however, he won’t complete it with the veteran admitting that it’s time to hang up the boots.
He would debut for his boyhood club Bradford in 2006, going on to make over 100 appearances for the Bulls before eventually leaving at the end of the 2012 season. From there, he joined Huddersfield and won the Super League League Leaders Shield as he made 90 appearances across three seasons.
Moves to Salford and Wakefield would follow before he stepped down to the Championship with Featherstone in 2021, signing with current club Oldham last year and helping guide them back into the Championship.
“My body has had enough” – Former Super League stalwart makes retirement call
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Whilst at Oldham, he had made 20 appearances but the former Welsh international was yet to play this season and has now taken the decision to retire.
A statement from the club read: “Roughyeds prop forward Craig Kopczak has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league after almost two decades in the British game.
“The former Wales captain has enjoyed a 19-year professional career, helping Oldham gain a stunning promotion back to the Championship in 2024.”
Signing out with 436 career games, Koczak said: “Sadly I am announcing my retirement with immediate effect.
“It is a decision I have been thinking about for a while now and my body has had enough. The time has come, as upsetting as it is. I have no doubts.
“I’m leaving the club in fantastic hands and I wish them all the very best. I’m hugely proud of my achievements and I could not have done it all without the sacrifices of my family. They have put up with a lot from me, and I’m really proud of what I have achieved.
“I wanted to keep going this year but every rugby league player will come to a stage in their mind and in their heart when you know it is done, and when the time is right. That time is now.”
Chairman Bill Quinn added: “He is a great guy, a lovely man and as soon as we met him I felt that. You can tell that he will always give his all, but he also knows when the time is right to stop.
It is sad but these things happen in sport, and from myself, Mike (Ford) and the board we wish him well for the future, it has been great having him and he will always be welcome at Oldham.”
