Hull FC legend Richard Horne has announced he is to call time on his professional Rugby League career after 16 years as a one-club man.
The 32-year old made his debut for the Airlie Birds aged of 16 and has since amassed 383 appearances for his home-town club including 251 in Super League.
He has scored an impressive 563 points, including 133 tries, for the black and whites and has appeared i nthree major finals.
He was not offered a playing contract for next season but will remain with the club as the U16s head coach.
“It has probably taken about two to three months to allow me to get my head around the idea, but it just feels the right time to retire from playing,” he said.
“If somebody had told me when I made my debut for the club back when I was just 16 that I would still be playing for Hull at 32, I would have laughed and then quickly snapped their hand off for the opportunity. For me to be able to live my childhood dream, what more could you ask for?
“It has been an amazing 16 years, unfortunately though at some point you have to make this decision and it just feels like the moment has come for me.
“The decision has coincided with the club offering me this role within the coaching staff, which I am extremely looking forward to and I’m glad I am able to stay with Hull to take up this new challenge.
“Hopefully I will be able to have an equally long coaching career at the club as I have managed to achieve playing.
“My main goal now is to bring these kids through and hopefully give them the right skills and tools needed to make it as a Super League player.
“To be completely honest there have been so many that it is extremely difficult to pick one out.
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“Obviously winning the Challenge Cup in 2005 has to be up there as the biggest, and to do that for my home-town club was an unbelievably proud day for myself, my family, and the club and is something I will never forget.
“Equally though playing in a grand final in 2006, the result may have been different, but the occasion itself was amazing and we came up against one of the best Saints teams that there has ever been.
“Reflecting back on that day now though, the experience and magnitude of the occasion gives me a very special feeling.
“I am so happy that I am able to leave the side whilst it is still so rich in home grown payers, with plenty of players like myself being born right here in the city.
“For me looking forward that is the way the club has to go, using the young kids coming through and the talent that we have got in the city.
“I would like to personally thank every single one of the supporters, who have been so loyal and passionate in following the club throughout my time.
“They are truly who you play for, and when it goes right it is fantastic to know that they are always behind you. It has been a privilege to represent not only Hull but all of the fans as well.”
