Hull KR centre Darrell Goulding forced to retire

Hull KR centre Darrell Goulding has announced his retirement with immediate effect at the age of 27.

Goulding made his name with hometown club Wigan before moving to the KC Lightstream Stadium this season.

But he has been forced to call time on his 10-year Super League career on medical advice after suffering a series of concussion injuries.

Goulding has made over 150 top-flight appearances during his time with Wigan and Hull KR, as well as a short loan spell with Salford.

He has also featured in two World Club Challenge matches for the Warriors and was part of the Wigan side that won the Super League and Challenge Cup double in 2013.

But having suffered concussion in April’s game with Castleford he has decided to retire in order to ensure his future wellbeing.

We’re all devastated for Darrell, he’s a great bloke and it’s very cruel for his career to come to an end this way.

“I’ve had a lot of head injuries and concussions over the years and it’s probably a case of picking up one too many,” he told Hull KR's official website.

“I’m gutted because I never expected to retire at 27 and I’ve been really enjoying my time with Rovers, so it’s come as a massive shock.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of medical people and specialists and they’re concerned about the long-term damage I could do by playing on.

“I’ve got to think about my health after rugby and while every player just wants to get back out on the field, the time comes where you’ve got to listen to what these people are telling you.

“I’d stay like to stay involved in the sport in some way. It’s what I’ve known for so many years, I’ve got a lot of experience out on the field and probably helping the younger players coming through is what I’ll be looking at.

“I might take a bit of time off, have a holiday and take a bit of time away from the game and then come back ready to help the sport in a different way.”

Tribute

Rovers head coach Chris Chester paid tribute to Goulding, a player he believes has had a positive impact during his short spell on Humberside.

“We’re all devastated for Darrell, he’s a great bloke and it’s very cruel for his career to come to an end this way,” he said.

“He’s been a terrific servant to the game and he’s made a big impact during his time at the club. He’s very popular with the lads, he played a big part in creating the culture in the squad and he’s been a real professional on and off the field.”

Wigan Warriors Rugby Director Kris Radlinski also praised the contribution made by Goulding during an illustrious career with them.

“Darrell is a very unassuming guy and the definition of a team player,” he said.

“A true centre with subtle skills, he could create opportunities out of nothing and Josh Charnley owes him so much for creating so many tries for him. He should be very proud at what he has achieved in his career.

“I met him last week and he told me all about his decision and asked about the transition. The retirement of a rugby player is inevitable, every player knows it is coming but nothing prepares you for knowing that you will never lace up the boots again.

“This is another reminder that the game we love is played by great athletes who put their careers and livelihood on the line every time they take the field.”