Hull hooker retires

Richard Swain has lost his battle against a back injury and has been forced into retirement.

The 32-year-old Hull hooker was due to call time on a glittering career at the end of the season, but a nerve problem has prompted him to bring the decision forward.

The former New Zealand international said: "This is easily the hardest decision I have had to make."

He added: "If it wasn't for a couple of people helping with the decision I wouldn't have been able to make it. I would not have been able to come out myself and say I need to retire.

"I have had a fantastic career and probably in a couple of years' time I will realise the length, size and everything that goes with it.

"But what I can say is I have had four happy years at Hull and it has been the best club I have played for.

"People might not realise I only came for two years but loved it so much I decided to stay another two.

"It is regrettable it has had to end this way but I do know I have given the club everything in the four years I have been here."

Swain joined Hull in 2004 from Brisbane Broncos after an illustrious spell with Melbourne where he won the NRL title in 1999.

Swain played 94 times for Hull, captaining the side to Challenge Cup glory in 2005 and a Grand Final appearance in 2006. He also featured in the 2005 World Cup final, one of 19 New Zealand outings.