St Helens prop Alex Walmsley believes that the 2027 season will be his last, after revealing his plans for when he could retire from the game.
Walmsley made his debut for St Helens back in 2013, aged 22, after joining the club from Championship side Batley Bulldogs.
Since then, he has gone on to make close to 300 Super League appearances for the Red Vee, and will continue to add to that tally for the next 18 months after signing a new contract earlier this season to keep him at the club until the end of 2027.
However, the England international has revealed that the recent extension could be the last one of his illustrious career. Walmsley will be approaching 38 by the time that deal is up, so could well call time on his playing journey.
Speaking on The Bench podcast this week, the Saints man was asked about his career and his plans for the future, to which he dropped a big hint.
He said: “I think that [last contract extension] is going to be the last one.
“The way I feel, I’m enjoying playing. I’ve always made that decision of, if I’m enjoying it, I’ll keep going. But I’m also now getting to that age where I’ve got to think about the next 20, 30 years as well.
“In my head, it’s going to be the last one, but if Simone [Walmsley’s wife] keeps wanting extensions and things like that, then I might have to keep going!
“She always says that she wants me to retire, but deep down, I think she’ll roll me out in a wheelchair as long as I’m still going.”
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Alex Walmsley provides future update as St Helens man ponders retirement
Walmsley also revealed that, had he been asked two or three years ago if he’d still be playing in 2026 and 2027, he’d have said he would be retired by this point, but a new love for the game has emerged, and that is what is driving him to keep going for a little while longer.
“It’s a roller coaster, this career, there’s highs and lows, and I think, at the time, we as a club were struggling. It’s easier when you’re winning to enjoy it, but I’d had a few injuries, and my body was probably not doing what I was used to it being able to do, and what I expected from myself.
“…I’m really enjoying it. It’s changed, and it’s different. I’m still enjoying representing St Helens. It’s something that I don’t take for granted. As long as I’ve got a smile on my face, and I feel well enough, the body’s in good nick, I’ll just keep going.”
Walmsley revealed that he has returned to university to do a masters degree in business, so he has already started taking steps towards his next career after rugby league.
