Ex-Tigers and Rhinos star Eastmond retires at 31

FORMER England centre Kyle Eastmond has announced his retirement from playing professional rugby, writes Bobby Bridge.

After making his name in rugby league with St Helens, Eastmond, left, switched to union in 2011 and went on to play for Bath, Wasps and Leicester Tigers and earned six England caps – making him a dualcode international.

The 31-year-old left Leicester Tigers at the same time as a group of players in July 2020, after refusing to take a 25 per cent pay cut.

Noel Reid, Greg Bateman, Telusa Veainu and Manu Tuilagi also left the club.

Eastmond’s spell out of the sport came to an end when he made the switch back to rugby league by joining Leeds Rhinos on a two-year deal.

He made his debut for the Rhinos on April 15 against Wigan at Emerald Headingley and has played once more since then.

However, he has now called time on his playing career. “I love rugby and will always be involved in it,” said Eastmond.

“I’ve come to realise the passion to influence the game is no longer on the field.

“It is this love and respect for the game, that leads me to this decision.

“Thank you so much to Kev, Leeds Rhinos and all the fans.”

Leeds Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “I think this is an incredibly brave decision by Kyle and a testament to the high standards that he sets for himself.

“When we originally spoke to him, we had belief in his ability and talent and that remains the case.

“However, after a year out of rugby due to the pandemic, he has found that he is unable to reach the standards he expects of himself in training and playing.

“He will leave the club with our best wishes for the future. The fact he had a contract for this year and next but decided to hang up his boots speaks volumes about his integrity.”