Ryan Atkins brought out his rugby boots for his former side over the Christmas period.
Atkins had retired from professional rugby league at the end of following an illustrious career, spanning 16 seasons, but returned to former side Bramley RFC in the 15-man code to play a game two days after Christmas Day.
The 36-year-old joined the York City Knights ahead of the 2021 season after spending his whole career with Super League clubs and still stands as the sixth-highest try scorer in the competition’s history.
The centre made his 400th career appearance earlier this season when the Knights hosted Bradford Bulls.
Starting his career with the Bulls, he made his Super League debut on loan at Wakefield Trinity in 2006 before signing permanently for the West Yorkshire club at the end of that season. After four years with Trinity, Atkins made the move to top-flight giants Warrington Wolves, with whom he won two Challenge Cup trophies, scoring twice at Wembley Stadium in their victory in 2010, as well as two League Leaders’ Shields.
2019 saw Atkins honoured with a testimonial after ten years of service to Warrington and, towards the end of that season, he rejoined Wakefield Trinity. He spent the 2020 campaign back at the Mobile Rocket Stadium before signing this season for the Knights.
Throughout 2021, Atkins has made 18 competitive appearances for the Knights, scoring eight tries, the last of which came in defeat to Bradford Bulls – the team whose academy he began his professional journey began with.
But, now he has been pictured helping out at Bramley Phoenix after starting his career there.
Great to have a run out at my old club @bramleyrfc
20 years plus of friendship and always a pleasure to catch up with everyone. pic.twitter.com/3R9csec8uA— Ryan Atkins (@rararyan85) December 27, 2021
