Sheffield Eagles Club Captain Jack Howieson has announced his retirement from Rugby League

[WRknight]

Sheffield Eagles Club Captain Jack Howieson has announced his retirement from Rugby League with immediate effect.

Howieson, 31, has been with the Eagles for 13 seasons since coming to the city as a student at Sheffield Hallam University.

He made his debut for the club against South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster on Good Friday in 2001 and was first introduced to rugby league back in Hemel Hempstead, playing with Hemel Stags who joins the professional rugby league ranks in Championship One this year.

Howieson led the club to promotion to the Championship in 2006, helped the club become a strong force in the league and this culminated in the famous 20-16 victory over Featherstone Rovers in last year’s Grand Final.

Speaking of his departure, Howieson said, “I’ve loved every minute of my playing career at the Eagles and I have been lucky enough to fulfil one my goals last year in winning the Championship Grand Final.”

“It’s been a tough decision to make but one that is right for me and my family at this moment in time.”

“A recent increase in work load in the full time day and the pressures of supporting a young family mean I am no longer able to fully commit time as a professional rugby league player.”

“Along with this, recent injury problems and the need for a further operation on my knee have brought forward my decision to call time on my career.”