Featherstone Rovers winger, Gareth Gale, has announced that he will retire from rugby league at the age of 32.
Joining the club from amateur side Featherstone Lions in 2020, Gale has consistently been amongst the top try scorers in the Championship, having bagged double figures in four of his five seasons and scoring 25 or more in two of those.
He was selected to represent England Community Lions in 2019, and was part of the touring squad that year that went on to play three games in New Zealand.
Gale becomes another significant player to exit the club amid their ongoing financial difficulties. Featherstone have been in monetary trouble for a while, with the club recently stating they are actively doing everything they can to try and resolve the club’s issues before the 2026 season starts in mid-January.
He will hang up his boots as a 128-time Featherstone player, who scored 89 tries. He also has two Wembley appearances, after securing the 1895 Cup in 2021, before being on the losing side in 2025.
His statement confirming his retirement, posted on Facebook, reads:
“Just want to let everyone know that I have decided to call it time on my career as a professional rugby league player.”
“It’s not been an easy decision but it’s a decision I have been thinking about for some time now and I believe it’s what’s best for me and my family.”
“It’s been a dream come true to play for my hometown club and in some pretty special games, never thought I’d get to see the Rovers playing at Wembley and then getting the opportunity to play there twice as a player has been unbelievable.”
“Over the last 6 years I’ve played along side some great players and been coached by some excellent coaches.”
“I want to just take this opportunity to thank everyone I’ve played along side, been coached by, everyone at the club of Featherstone, the fans that turn up week in week out and most importantly my family who have been there for me through it all. I couldn’t have done it without them by my side.”
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