Chris Riley announces retirement from rugby league

Drew Darbyshire

Former Super League winger Chris Riley has officially hung up his boots.

The 30-year-old took time away from the sport after parting ways with Rochdale Hornets in 2017 and has since decided that he wants to retire from the sport.

Riley made his professional debut for hometown club Warrington in 2005 and went on to score 120 tries in 180 appearances for the club. He then enjoyed spells at Wakefield Trinity and Rochdale.

On his retirement, Riley said: “The time has come to finally announce my retirement from the sport of rugby league.

“I’ve been inactive and without a club for just over 12 months and I no longer have the same passion and desire as I did for the last 13 years or so playing, and this feels like the right time to hang up my boots.

“I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to fulfil my dream of becoming a rugby league player and also getting the chance to do this for a large part of my career with my hometown club Warrington Wolves. I could never imagine when I debuted at the age of 17 that in my time there I would go on and be involved in winning the Challenge Cup – the club’s first trophy in 35 years and to go on to win more trophies was more than I could ever have asked for.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the clubs that gave me the opportunity to represent them along the way – London, Wakefield and Rochdale. Thank you to all the fans for their loyal support across the years.

“Big thanks to my family and friends for the love and guidance, and to my wife and children for their unconditional love and support through all the ups and downs. I’m now looking forward to becoming a fan again and to enjoy watching this great game.”

Riley won three Challenge Cups with Warrington and earned three caps for England Knights.

Super League Chris Riley