Former Bradford Bulls player Sam Burgess forced to retire through injury

    Former England captain Sam Burgess has been forced to retire from playing because of a chronic shoulder injury.

    Burgess, 30, is one of sport's biggest names and has played for South Sydney Rabbitohs in Australia's National Rugby League since 2010.

    He previously played for Bradford Bulls and played 23 matches for England, and two for Great Britain.

    After announcing his retirement, Burgess said: 

    "This decision was one of the hardest I've had to make in my life, however it was out of my hands.

    "I am no longer able to be myself on the training field and consequently the playing field."

    More from Sport

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • Legal Show Legal Show

      Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

    • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

      Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.

    • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

      Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm