Super League star confirms shock retirement

Current Hull FC star and former Wigan Warriors and Hull KR star Scott Taylor has confirmed his retirement.

As Hull FC battle Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils for play-off spots they have been given extra incentive to send Taylor out on a high.

With Chris Satae leaving at the end of the year, it is key now for the Black and Whites to continue their revamp of their pack which has already started with two NRL signings.

Taylor, 32, has called time on a professional career which began in 2009, having gone on to make over 300 appearances for both club and country.

The back-to-back Challenge Cup winner and former co-captain has enjoyed a memorable eight year spell with the Black & Whites, realising his dreams of winning at Wembley with his boyhood side.

Having played school rugby at both David Lister and Longcroft before rising through the youth ranks at community side Skirlaugh Bulls as a junior, Taylor joined Hull KR’s academy and made his senior debut in 2009, making 52 appearances for the East Hull side before a high-profile move to Wigan Warriors ahead of the 2013 campaign.

Major success came for Taylor in his first season with the Warriors, being part of a historic double-winning side which claimed Challenge Cup and Grand Final glory, as well as featuring in the World Club Challenge in Sydney the following season.

Becoming one of the competition’s strongest forwards, Taylor joined Hull FC in 2016, following a 12-month loan spell at Salford Red Devils.

Arguably the finest season of his career, Wembley success was accompanied by a place in the 2016 Super League Dream Team and his international debut for England.

Further honours followed with a place in the 2017 World Cup squad, before winning the Hull FC Player of the Year Award in 2018.

In 2021, Taylor was named as one of the club’s co-captains – only the third Hull-born player to take the captaincy during the Super League era, alongside Lee Radford and Danny Houghton.

In March of this year, the 32-year-old was awarded a 12-month testimonial by the Rugby Football League for services to Rugby League at club and international level, having surpassed 300 career appearances in 2022.

Taylor’s professional career will come to an end at the culmination of the club’s 2023 Betfred Super League campaign.

However, in a fitting end to his time in Black & White, Taylor’s final appearance for the club will come in a Testimonial fixture at the MKM Stadium ahead of the new season, with details to be announced in the autumn.

Further events will also take place between now and then to celebrate his Testimonial, with details soon to be announced on a special reunion of members of 2016 Challenge Cup Final team.

After a short break from the game with his family, Taylor will continue to be involved with the club off the field.

Speaking on the decision to hang up his boots, Taylor said: “This has been the biggest decision of my career. I have thoroughly enjoyed this season, playing big minutes and playing a part in the leadership group, but now feels like the right time for me to finish on a high with the club that me and my family love.

“I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in my rugby league journey, as well as a thank you to the clubs I have had the privilege to represent.

“I’d like to give particular thanks to Adam Pearson and James Clark for their support during my entire time with my boyhood club, as well as the players, coaches and staff I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside.

“Memories of winning the double with Wigan, my international debut and being part of the back-to-back cup wins at Wembley with my beloved Hull FC is what any young player dreams of – so to be able to have achieved that is very special.

“I owe everything to this sport. It has been a career of many highs and lows which has shaped who I am today.

“I am looking forward to the remainder of my testimonial year, including a testimonial match at the MKM Stadium in February, which feels like the perfect way to bow out.

“Eight years with my boyhood club has been incredible – it’s in my blood. I have given it everything and can retire with no regrets.”

Meanwhile, paying tribute to the retiring Taylor, Hull FC’s Chief Executive, James Clark, also added: “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to congratulate Scott on a fantastic career and thank him for his contribution to Hull FC.

“I’m sure he’ll be remembered as one of the great forwards to represent the club, immortalised amongst the first group of players to lift the Challenge Cup at Wembley

“The memorable image of Scott’s expression that day as Gareth Ellis lifted the cup reflects his genuine passion and pride in representing his boyhood team.

“He can look back on his career with tremendous satisfaction at what he has achieved, winning both major titles and representing his country on the biggest stage – whilst earning the notable achievement of 300 professional games.

“For those fortunate to have worked with him, he is an example of a genuine clubman who is proud to represent his club both on and off the field – with his effort and commitment often going unheralded.

“We are thrilled he will continue to have an involvement with us in the future, alongside an exciting new chapter in his life as he develops his own business career, and the opportunity to make many new memories with his young family – who I am sure are very proud of him.

“Scott is a credit to his family, his club and fantastic role model for any player.”

Everyone at Hull FC would like to wish Scott a very happy retirement, wishing him and his family the very best for the future, and thank him for an incredible eight years of service – we look forward to his future involvement with the club in capacities away from the playing field.