Bradford Bulls have confirmed that forward James Donaldson has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby league with immediate effect.<\/p>\n
Donaldson made his debut for Bradford as a teenager in 2009, having moved to the club from his native Cumbria. He would make over 75 appearances for the club before moving to Hull KR.<\/p>\n
There, he spent another three seasons before a successful switch to Leeds Rhinos. Over a seven-year period at AMT Headingley he emerged as a fans favourite and a fine Super League forward, being part of the club\u2019s Challenge Cup-winning side of 2020 as well as featuring in the 2022 Grand Final.<\/p>\n
Donaldson returned to Bradford for a second spell at the start of this year and played an influential role in the side that would finish inside the Championship play-offs.<\/p>\n
But with Bradford transitioning back to a full-time operation ahead of their return to Super League, Donaldson has ultimately decided to call time on his playing days at the age of 34.<\/p>\n
Want more Love Rugby League? Add us as a preferred source on Google<\/a> and ensure you never miss our exclusives and breaking news!<\/p>\n \u201cJames Donaldson embodies all that\u2019s good in rugby league and what it takes to be a true professional,\u201d the Bulls\u2019 CEO, Jason Hirst, said.<\/p>\n \u201cNamely, his moral compass, integrity, focus, dedication, desire, determination, discipline, durability, toughness and sheer will to succeed.<\/p>\n \u201cAll 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.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite many injury setbacks, James has had a stellar career, across a number of clubs and I\u2019m privileged to have watched him serve our club, so well, across two spells and I am proud to know him. \u00a0On behalf of everyone at Bradford Bulls, I\u2019d like to wish James and his young family every success in 2026 and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n MONDAY\u2019S READS ON LRL<\/p>\n Mason Caton-Brown\u2019s first words as Salford owner as Derek Beaumont involvement revealed<\/a><\/p>\n Ranking the Championship\u2019s 10 best players in 2026 including SIX London stars<\/a><\/p>\n Wigan\u2019s historic Paris trip to become historic double-header with second game on bill<\/a><\/p>\n Grading every 2026 Super League alternate kit: Hull FC bottom of class<\/a><\/p>\n