WARRINGTON Wolves’ talisman Lee Briers has been forced to retire from his playing career with immediate effect due to a neck injury.
Briers announced his retirement on twitter saying: “Yes it is true I have had to retire with immediate effect.
“Although I was devastated to find out that I will never be able to play the game that I love and the game that has given me everything again, I feel blessed to have had an opportunity to play all these years!
“A massive thank you to the Warrington club for believing in me and especially the Wolves fans for all their support over the years.
“To my family for the support you have given me through the good and bad – thank you!
“Hopefully the next chapter of my life can be as enjoyable as the last 17 years! I can’t wait for that to start.”
Briers agreed a new one year deal prior to the end of last season, despite suffering a serious neck injury earlier in the season.
Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith said:“ On behalf of the Warrington club, its supporters and Rugby League fans I’d like to thank Lee for his contributions to the game. He has brought enormous enjoyment and pleasure to those who have witnessed his skills. I have personally enjoyed watching Lee develop both as a player and a person and look forward to working with him in the next chapter of his career.”
The illustrious halfback made 425 appearances for the Primrose and Blue including a club record achievement by becoming the leading points scorer in Warrington’s history with 2586 points.
A well-respected member of the team he has worn his heart on his sleeve throughout his Warrington career playing with recognisable pride and passion for his club.
His debut back in 1997 earned him heritage number 955 and a place in the club’s history books. He’s been a constant through the highs and lows; one of the few remaining players to have experienced the move from Wilderspool to The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
During his career at Warrington Briers has won three Challenge Cup winners medals and appeared in two Grand Finals.
He also won the league leader’s shield in 2011.
He is currently working with the Wales squad in the Rugby League World Cup.
Briers was capped by Great Britain v France in their 42 12 win on October 26 2001.
Having made his Wales debut in 1998, he went on to make 23 appearances for his country and featured in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.
Following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, he announced his international retirement. he later came out of retirement to represent Wales in the 2010 European Cup, and captained the side to victory in the tournament. He went on to captain Wales in the 2011 Four Nations,before once again retiring from international rugby league.
Briers has just released his autobiography “off the cuff.”
