Popular Sky Sports pundit to leave role as exit confirmed during Super League match

There will be a change to the Sky Sports rugby league broadcast team next year, with one summariser set to step away from media duties with immediate effect.

Terry O’Connor called his final game in Leigh Leopards’ thrashing of St Helens last night, and it was during that game that he revealed the news that he would be hanging up the microphone.

Following on from his playing career, which ended in 2006, the 54-year-old has been involved in Sky’s rugby league team ever since, and was often partnered with long-time friend Barrie McDermott, being labelled the ‘biff brothers’.

When ‘Stevo’ (Mike Stephenson) retired in 2017, he took on a more prominent role within the set-up, joining Eddie Hemmings for more broadcast games, whilst the move to see all Super League games televised on Sky has meant that he has had a punditry gig almost every week.

However, after two decades, the father of Leeds star Jarrod will officially call time on his involvement with the sport, as he now looks to spend more quality time with his young family.

He was alongside lead commentator Mark Wilson for last night’s match, and Wilson sent his best regards to the departing media man, whilst also getting in a few cheeky jibes that some fans may be pleased to see him go.

O’Connor’s rugby league career began in 1991, when he made his debut for Salford, playing four seasons there before his move to Wigan Warriors.

There, he played for over a decade, racking up more than 300 appearances. He went on to win the Challenge Cup, Charity Shield, Regal Trophy, Premiership and Championship.

The 14-time Great Britain and 11-time Ireland international spend two seasons at Widnes Vikings in 2005 and 2006 before calling it a day in his playing career.

RIP Sir Billy, under-the-radar challengers, Hull KR’s controversial call and more – Click here to watch this week’s episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show