Scottish International announces retirement

Scottish international back Richie Hawkyard has announced his retirement from the game at the age of 33.

Hawkyard was due to play for Keighley Cougars in the 2020 season, but has reversed his decision and will step back from the game.

His final game in rugby league was helping Oldham to the Championship, Hawkyard’s third promotion. He was promoted twice with Swinton Lions and another with Keighley.

Hawkyard started his career at Bradford Bulls before then having a nine-season spell at Swinton. He then spent three seasons at Keighley before signing for Oldham at the start of 2019.

He said: “It’s been a hard decision and one that I haven’t taken lightly but I thought now is the right time to retire before the season starts rather than getting halfway through the season and begin having second thoughts.

“I’ve played Rugby League for 30 years, since I was four years old, and for 17 years as a semi-professional player and it takes a lot of hard work, commitment and a lot of dedication goes into the game but the memories I have from Rugby League will outweigh all of that.”