Hull FC forward Chris Tuson has taken the difficult decision to retire from the sport with immediate effect after suffering a recurrence of a back injury.
The 26-year-old joined the Black and Whites from Wigan Warriors ahead of this season, but suffered a freak spinal injury during a routine pre-season training session.
Having taken no risks with the injury, which was similar to one suffered by teammate Aaron Heremaia two years ago, he finally made his debut for the club in March against Bradford Bulls.
However, he suffered a recurrence of the injury in the recent home fixture against Warrington Wolves and, after three weeks of tests and specialist consultation, has been forced to retire to avoid causing any more significant damage.
Having addressed the players this morning at the training ground to inform them of the news, a devastated Tuson told hullfc.com: “I am extremely disappointed to have to finish my playing career in this way, but my health and well-being has to come first.
“I have received first class support from the medical staff here, the specialists, and of course my family. It was a very difficult decision to make, but it is the right one.
“There were discussions about playing on, but I can’t be sure how the injury would react and any wrong move could make it much more serious.”
