Phil Clarke is one of the iconic voices that covers Super League however the Sky Sports commentator and pundit is set to step down from his job before the start of the new season.
Clarke hung up the boots in 1996 after a short stint with Sydney Roosters but since then he’s worked in the sport offering insight on comms and punditry, but he now calls time on his career.
In a statement Clarke explained: “Throughout the course of my life, I’ve been lucky to see Rugby League from many different angles. It began as a young boy watching my dad play for Wigan, then transitioned into playing for that Club and later became the CEO at the Warriors.
“For the last 23 years, I have had the privilege of holding a Sky Sports microphone and watching my favourite sport from the commentary box and
studio. The time is now right for me to complete the Circle of life and return to being the fan that I began as.
“I now want to move onto the next chapter of my life and hand over the microphone baton. I feel compelled to thank so many of the people that I have worked with at Sky, especially Neville Smith, Eddie and Stevo, Bill Arthur and the rest of the team who helped me when I first started to work there.
“If my memory is correct, I played in the first game that Sky (or BSB as they were then) showed of Rugby League back on 1st April 1990. I now look forward to watching all the games that they will cover this season and beyond. I wish Brian Carney and the rest of the team all the best for 2024.”
There was also a brief message from Steve Smith, Executive Director of Content at Sky Sports. Smith said: “Phil has been part of the Sky Sports rugby league family over three decades, and has been an integral part of our coverage, on and off the pitch, since it began. We wish him every success for the future and know that he’ll always be a great support to the rest of the team from afar, and will enjoy tuning in as a fan when next season starts.”
All at Serious About Rugby League would like to wish Phil an enjoyable next chapter in his life and thank him for the way he’s helped promote the sport during his incredible career on the mic.
