Hudson to retire at season’s end

Castleford hooker Ryan Hudson will hang up his boots at the end of the season.

Hudson, 32, is in his second spell with the Tigers, and has also played for Wakefield and Huddersfield, the club with whom he made his debut in 1998.

He said: “I’m ready for a change. My body feels ok but mentally I’m ready. I feel Cas is my hometown club, I’ve been here for seven seasons and I feel that I’ve had the best years of my career here as well as captaining Yorkshire and playing for Great Britain while at Cas.”

Hudson represented Great Britain and Yorkshire in 2003, but his playing career was disrupted at the end of 2004, when a move to Bradford was cancelled after he tested positive for the banned substance stanozolol as a result of taking some pain-killers, resulting in a two-year suspension.

Tigers chief executive Steve Ferres said: “I was fortunate to meet Ryan early in his career when I signed him from Huddersfield to Wakefield and see him progress to the status of an International player.

“It was always clear that Ryan had an enthusiasm and passion for the game and his performances on the field reflected that.

“I’d like to wish Ryan a happy retirement and hope that he continues to be involved in our great game.”