Wigan youngster Ben Kilner hangs up his boots due to injury

Drew Darbyshire

Wigan's Ben Flower, Ben Kilner and Amir Bourouh tackle St Helens' Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook during the Betfred Super League match at the AJ Bell Stadium, Salford

Wigan prop Ben Kilner has called time on his rugby league career at the age of 22 due to injury.

The Wakefield-born forward came through Wigan’s academy and made his first team debut last season.

Kilner, who spent time on loan at Toronto Wolfpack, Dewsbury and Rochdale, won the Academy Grand Final twice with the Warriors but has now decided to call it a day.

He said: “I have decided to leave rugby league and pursue a different career. The sport has been a massive factor in my life for the past 15 years and has made me into the man I am today.

“However, through injury and other difficulties I have not been able to achieve the things I wanted to.

“Because of that I knew I had to put my physical and mental health first and pursue a different goal.

“I want to thank everyone at Wigan Warriors – both staff and players for everything they have given me and for all of their support.”

Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski said: “We are incredibly proud and supportive of the decision that Ben has made. He has developed into an outstanding young man and he will always be welcome back at Wigan.”


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