St Helens have confirmed that modern-day club legend Jonny Lomax will retire from rugby league at the end of the season.
Lomax, who hasn’t played since June after fracturing his jaw, will call time on a career that spans 18 years, with his first-team debut coming back in 2009. His Saints career spans much longer than that, though, having initially joined the club’s youth pathways aged 11.
The half-back will turn 36 next week, and has made just over 350 Super League appearances in his career. In total, his appearance count sits at 403, with his 40oth career game coming in Round 11 against Huddersfield Giants.
A loyal servant to the Red Vee, Lomax has scored 142 tries, kicked 131 goals and seven drop goals, resulting in a total of 837 career points.
With five Super League titles, four League Leaders’ Shields, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge, Lomax’s career has been packed with success. He is also a three-time Super League Dream Team member.
St Helens’ new coach, World Cup fail and Hull KR’s top six chances – Click here to watch this week’s episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
St Helens legend Jonny Lomax to retire at end of 2026
Confirming the news via social media, a statement shared by Lomax said: “At 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.
Most Read on Serious About Rugby League
“Rugby 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.
“At 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’t thank you enough.
“Over 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.
“I 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.
“Thank 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.
“And 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 s*** 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.”
“I 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.
“For those that have supported me throughout it all… I hope I have been able to do you proud.”
