Scotland skipper Oliver Wilkes announces retirement

Drew Darbyshire

Scotland captain Oliver Wilkes has retired from rugby league after a 21-year career.

The 39-year-old made his professional debut for Sheffield at 18, before going on to play for Huddersfield, Keighley, Leigh, Whitehaven, Wigan, Widnes, Wakefield, Harlequins, Barrow and Workington.

Wilkes – who has made more than 500 career appearances – made his international debut for Scotland in 2003 and earned 15 caps for the Bravehearts.

In a statement released by his current club Workington, it read:”Our captain Olly Wilkes has told us and his team-mates that he is retiring from professional rugby league.

“Olly has been a magnificent leader on and off the pitch and a delight to have at our great club.

“We will pay full tribute to him at our last home game of the normal season against Doncaster. In the meantime, we wish Olly well in the next chapter and salute our captain.”

Scotland Rugby League tweeted: “Congratulations to Scotland cap #85 Olly Wilkes on a fantastic career.

“Olly was capped 18 times for Scotland and was captain in last year’s European Championship match which was also his 500th career appearance.”


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