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."

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