Former Great Britain international Gareth Raynor has announced his retirement at the age of 34 after leaving Featherstone by mutual consent.
Winger leaves Featherstone by mutual consent and retires
Former Great Britain international Gareth Raynor has announced his retirement at the age of 34.
The former Hull, Crusaders and Bradford winger joined Featherstone at the start of the season and played in their recent Challenge Cup tie against Wigan but he confirmed on May 10 that he has left the Championship club by mutual consent and hung up his boots.
Raynor, who played just two Championship matches for Rovers, admitted he struggled to come to terms with part-time rugby after a decade in Super League.
"I've been used to playing at a higher level all my career," he said. "I'm glad I went back, though, to Fev and played a few games."
Raynor won a Challenge Cup winner's medal with Hull in 2005 and scored Great Britain's match-winning try against Australia in Sydney the following year but he spent time out of the game in 2010 when he was jailed for his part in an ink cartridge and computer games scam.
Featherstone coach Daryl Powell said: "It's obviously disappointing that Gareth has decided to retire but it's best for both parties if he's not able to fully motivate himself for playing Championship rugby.
"He did a good job for us in the short time he was with us and I wish him all the best in the future, whatever he decides to do."
Replacement
Powell moved quickly to find a replacement, signing Hull's 20-year-old Featherstone-born winger Jack Briscoe, brother of England international Tom, on a dual registration.
"We are delighted to welcome Jack to Rovers and look forward to playing a big part in his development as a player," Powell said.
"We are sure he will add significantly to our squad with his speed and strength and I would like thank Hull FC for their support."
Powell was forced to look for a replacement for Raynor after losing fellow three-quarters Tangi Ropati, Tom Saxton and Greg Worthington to injury.
Hull director of rugby Shaun McRae said: "This is a great opportunity for Jack to play at a higher level.
"He has been a consistent performer for us in the Under-20s but we really need to see him playing at a more physical and competitive level and this move will allow us to do that."
