Former Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR man James Donaldson has decided to bring the curtain down on his rugby league playing days with immediate effect.
The Bradford Bulls forward ruptured his ACL while playing for the club back in June and has been working towards making a playing return. However, as the Bulls ready themselves for the start of their first season back in Super League, Donaldson has made the decision to step away from the game.
It brings an end to a career that has spanned 16 years, with the 34-year-old starting his career in 2009 with the Bulls. The Cumbrian made 79 appearances for the club before moving on in 2015 to join Hull KR.
Donaldson spent four seasons in east Hull, where he made 78 outings and helped the club bounce back from their relegation in 2016.
He joined Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2019 season and in the six seasons he spent at Headingley, he featured 115 times. He won the Challenge Cup during his time as a player for the club, with Leeds beating Salford Red Devils back in 2020.
Donaldson re-joined Bradford on a three-season deal ahead of the 2025 season, but he made just 14 appearances before suffering the knee injury on June 1 against Doncaster.
Bradford Bulls CEO pays tribute to James Donaldson
“James Donaldson embodies all that’s good in rugby league and what it takes to be a true professional,” Bradford CEO Jason Hirst said.
“Namely, his moral compass, integrity, focus, dedication, desire, determination, discipline, durability, toughness and sheer will to succeed.
“All attributes that will ensure James continues to be successful in the next chapter of his working life.
“I could go on and on, but needless to say, he has the total respect of everyone at Bradford Bulls, not to mention our wider sport.
“Despite many injury setbacks, James has had a stellar career, across a number of clubs and I’m privileged to have watched him serve our club, so well, across two spells and I am proud to know him.
“On behalf of everyone at Bradford Bulls, I’d like to wish James and his young family every success in 2026 and beyond.”
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