{"id":1169209,"date":"2026-08-25T21:34:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T21:34:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1169209\/"},"modified":"2026-08-25T21:34:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T21:34:19","slug":"jonny-lomax-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1169209\/","title":{"rendered":"Jonny Lomax to retire at the end of 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the modern-day greats of not only St.Helens but the wider sport of rugby league, Lomax has enjoyed a glittering and distinguished career, having first joined the Saints as part of the Club\u2019s youth system at the age of 11.<\/p>\n

The England and Great Britain international came through the Saints Academy before making his senior First Team debut in 2009. Ever since joining the Club as a young boy, St.Helens has been his only professional club, and he has been an outstanding and loyal servant to the Saints.<\/p>\n

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Earlier this season, Lomax reached the incredible milestone of 400 career appearances, with 388 of those coming in the Red V. He has also represented England 11 times and Great Britain on four occasions.<\/p>\n

To date, Lomax has scored 142 tries, kicked 131 goals and seven drop goals, accumulating 837 points across his career.<\/p>\n

One of the most respected players in the game, Lomax has firmly established himself as one of the finest talents to grace the Super League era, with teammates and opponents alike holding him in the highest regard.<\/p>\n

His trophy cabinet is a testament to that illustrious career, with five Super League titles and four League Leaders\u2019 Shields to his name. He was part of the Saints side that won four consecutive Grand Finals between 2019 and 2022, collecting the Harry Sunderland Trophy following the 2022 triumph.<\/p>\n

He has also lifted the Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge trophies in 2021 and 2023 respectively, while he has been selected in the Super League Dream Team on three occasions.<\/p>\n

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Posting the news on his official Instagram page, Jonny Lomax said:<\/strong> \u201cAt the end of 2026, I will call time on my playing career. This was something I always planned, and those closest to me have always been aware of.<\/p>\n

\u201cRugby will forever be my first love. Falling in love with the game at the age of 5 down at Orrell St James, where I remained until 16, making friends for life.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the same age, I became a season ticket holder at Knowsley Road, cheering the team on as a supporter, just as you have done throughout my time playing and for that I can\u2019t thank you enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the last 20 years (18 professionally), I have been able to live out a boyhood dream. Achieving far more than I could ever have imagined. Representing and captaining my hometown club and, of course, the pinnacle, representing England and Great Britain.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been fortunate enough to meet some incredible people along the way, experiencing some incredible highs with them. As well as some testing times too.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you to all the coaches, teammates and extended staff who I have been lucky enough to share such moments with. Some of whom have had a huge impact upon my life and their lessons will continue to do so.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd finally, thank you to all of my family and friends for their support along the way. Particularly my wife, kids, mum, dad and sister (amongst it a couple more). As behind all of the good times there have been some seriously shit moments too. Your mutual suffering, love and support have enabled me to persevere time and time again, allowing me to live out my dream every single day, to make it all worthwhile. You have been my biggest supporters but also my greatest teachers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will retire at the age of 36, grateful for the life the game has given me, knowing I have given it everything I could, with the scars to prove it (19 operations, including 12 knee ops by the age of 26). Despite this, I still feel lucky.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor those that have supported me throughout it all\u2026 I hope I have been able to do you proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Sharing his gratitude for Jonny Lomax\u2019s service on behalf of all at St.Helens, Chairman Eamonn McManus commented:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cJonny will undoubtedly go down as one of the all-time greats of the great St.Helens club.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis talent, commitment and achievements are clear for all to see over an incredible 20-year period of unparalleled success for the Saints.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it is his continuous fights against the severe physical and emotional challenges of so many serious injuries that set him apart from even the greatest of players.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven in his final and 20th season, he has suffered a dislocated wrist and a shattered jaw, but his desire to represent his boyhood club to the best of his ability remains undimmed to the very end.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bravest of brave in the bravest of sports.\u201d<\/p>\n

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