Rochdale winger Dale Bloomfield announces retirement

Josh McAllister

Dale Bloomfield in action for Rochdale in 2020. Photo by Jackie Meredith.

Rochdale winger Dale Bloomfield has announced his retirement from the sport.

Bloomfield, 33, returned to the Crown Oil Arena for his third stint with the club ahead of the 2020 season, and 2021 is his seventh season with the Hornets.

He was a part of the club’s historic 2016 League 1 play-off winning side in Toulouse, and has also featured for Oldham, North Wales Crusaders and Hunslet.

Bloomfield wrote on social media: “After 27 years of playing rugby it’s finally time to call it a day. My body just isn’t up for it anymore and I don’t want to let myself, teammates or fans down not being able to perform how I would like to.

“Thank you to all the clubs that have had me, the coaches and the fans who have supported me. There’s no better sport and I’ve met some great blokes who will be friends for life. Time to spend some time with my girlfriend and son. Bloomers.”