Tuesday 24 April 2018 11:41, UK
Former St Helens Luke Walsh has announced his retirement at the age of 30 after failing to recover from a serious ankle injury.
The 30-year-old Australian, who was part of French side Catalans Dragons' side this season, sustained significant ankle-ligament damage against Hull KR on February 15.
Walsh, in his second year in France, has now taken the advice of several doctors to hang up his boots.
He said: "I would like to thank the club [Catalans] for the support since I arrived. I have made some good friends here and I'd like to thank the coaching staff, especially Laurent Frayssinous who recruited me to the club.
"I wish all the best to the boys for the rest of the year and for the future of the club."
Walsh enjoyed a successful career in the NRL where he made 140 appearances for Newcastle and Penrith.
He moved to England in 2014 and helped St Helens to the top of the table before breaking his leg and tearing ankle ligaments in July of the same year. Walsh watched on as Saints went on to win the Grand Final.
Despite fearing his career was over, Walsh returned the following April but was unable to make the same impact.
Having moved to the Dragons in 2016 to play under coach Frayssinous, his initial 12-month deal was extended but just three matches into his second year he has suffered a career-ending injury.
Catalans head coach Steve McNamara said: "It's always sad when a player has to retire early due to injury. Luke [Walsh] has tried everything possible to get himself into a position to play again but unfortunately that can't happen.
"His commitment and contribution to the Dragons is something we as a club really appreciate."
McNamara has already begun the search for a replacement and failed in a bid to sign former England scrum-half Matty Smith on loan from St Helens.
