Luke Gale ends his career with Wakefield Trinity but had his Man of Steel campaign whilst playing for Castleford Tigers, who he led to the Grand Final in 2017.
Gale also played for Leeds Rhinos, for whom he won a Challenge Cup in 2020. His career took in several other clubs including Bradford Bulls, Hull FC and Keighley Cougars.
The 36-year-old played nine times for England, even playing in the 2017 World Cup Final that England lost against Australia by a scoreline of 6-0.
News of his retirement was shared by many of his former clubs and the RFL but a statement was shared by current club Wakefield Trinity, with whom Gale is aiming to guide back to Super League during his final year playing the sport.
A statement from Wakefield Trinity read: “Luke Gale has today confirmed that he will be hanging up his boots at the end of the 2024 season and retiring from Rugby League.
Jackson Hastings latest as Leeds Rhinos rumours swirl“The 36-year old is a veteran of over 300 appearances with eight different teams having made his first team debut way back in 2007 on loan at Doncaster.
“2024 won’t be his final year in Rugby though as the England International will be moving into coaching with Wakefield Trinity as he will become Head Coach of our Academy.”
On retiring, Luke Gale said: “The game is getting tougher and I’m getting older and it’s not getting any easier. I spoke to my family and had a good chat with Daryl and this announcement has been in the pipeline for about six weeks. We had a contract to go round again but with the game getting harder I felt it was the right time to hang them up.
“I am massively excited for that next journey staying on in Rugby League and becoming the Head Coach of the Academy here at Wakefield from next season.
“I’ve had 17/18 years as a professional and I’ve had the pleasure of playing for some great clubs, some amazing blokes and I’ve created some special memories along the way but I believe now is the right time to move on to that next chapter. I still love the game but the game doesn’t love me as much any more when getting out of bed on a Monday morning is getting harder and harder.”