Warrington Wolves icon and two-time Challenge Cup winner, Stefan Ratchford, will hang up his boots at the end of the season after 14 years at the club.
Making his name at Salford Red Devils, the 37-year-old played over 100 games in four seasons at the Reds before a move to the Wolves in 2012.
Able to play a number of positions including fullback, centre and in the halves, he won his first piece of silverware in his maiden season with Wire, as they defeated Leeds Rhinos to win the Challenge Cup.
Making over 350 appearances for the Primrose and Blue, Ratchford’s excellent goal-kicking ability, combined with the 95 tries he has scored, put him sixth on Warrington’s all-time points scoring list.
Lifting a total of two Challenge Cups and a League Leaders Shield in his career, Ratchford is the latest veteran of the game to hang up his boots, after the likes of Sam Tomkins, Martyn Ridyard and Gregg McNally all confirming their retirement in recent weeks.
Ratchford has spoken on his decision to retire, saying how proud he is to have donned the Warrington jersey on so many occasions.
“It’s been a massive privilege to have represented this club for so many years, said the eight-time England international. “When I first arrived in 2012 I didn’t know if I’d last six months so to have been here for 14 years is a great feeling and it’s an unbelievable journey that I’ve had.
“It probably hit me most this week when I was speaking to my eldest daughter about my last home game and she said that’s all she’s ever known me playing at The Halliwell Jones every other week. There’s sadness, but happiness and excitement also for what’s next.
He continued: “I think once the boots are fully hung up I’ll reflect more on what I’ve been able to achieve here and it will truly hit me then. I can’t thank the fans, my team mates, coaches, staff, the board, Simon Moran and everyone else involved at the club for taking me in from day one.”
