Hull FC legend Kirk Yeaman has confirmed he will retire at the end of this season.
The 33-year-old has played for the Black and Whites for 15 years, amassing 371 games for his hometown club, earning hero-status in the eyes of the fans and the right to a testimonial in 2012.
Only twelve players have made more appearances for Hull FC over the last 151 years.
The former England international will hang up his boots at the end of after becoming the first player to win the Challenge Cup twice with the club.
Yeaman said: “It was a really tough call to make, it’s a tough one to make for anyone.
“Playing rugby is all I’ve done since the age of five but, as they say, all good things come to an end. There’d be no better way to finish my career with the year that we’ve had so far and what we could still potentially achieve.
“It’s been something that I’ve been thinking about for a while. But I’m 33 and I’m not getting any younger, my body isn’t what it used to be. These last few weeks, particularly after winning the Challenge Cup, confirmed it for me.”
He added, “I have enjoyed some special moments and great memories and would like to thank everyone who has helped me and supported me throughout my career.
“My family, friends, coaches, team mates, the backroom staff and of course the fans have all been great to me and given me a career to remember.”
Hull FC head coach, and former team-mate of Yeaman, Lee Radford, paid tribute to his departing centre who believes will be recognised as a legend of the club for many years to come.
“The records that he holds are a good reflection of the career he’s had,” he said.
“The many records he has will put him up there as one of the greatest-ever players to have played for the club, and deservedly so.
“He’s really rejuvenated himself in these last 12 months and has shown why, in the past, he’s claimed international honours. I hope he can go out on a high, and the stage is set for him to do so with the position that we’re in at the moment. It will be sad when he puts his boots up for the final time.”
Yeaman will take some well-earned time out at the end of the season, but it might not be long before we see him back in the club colours.
Discussions are already underway with a view to finding the 33-year-old a suitable off-field role with the Black and Whites over the coming years.
