Bradford forward England hangs up his boots

BRADFORD BULLS prop Anthony England has announced his retirement due to injury.

The ex-Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves frontrow started out briefly with Castleford Tigers and had spells in the semi-professional game with Gateshead Thunder, hometown Dewsbury and Featherstone.

He made more than 250 appearances and joined Bradford from Wakefield at the end of 2019.

England was ever-present throughout the early stages of last season before the campaign was cut short due to coronavirus.

Bulls head coach John Kear, whose side start their Championship campaign against Sheffield Eagles on Sunday, said: “We are obviously very saddened by the news Anthony has been forced to retire from the game due to injury problems.

“He will be a big loss to us. Ant is someone who I got to know well over the years as a person not just a player and he was a real warrior; he always put his body on the line.

“Even in the short time he was with us last year I think the Bradford supporters were impressed by what they saw and it is unfortunate that we could not see more of him in the red, amber and black.

“He has certainly left a legacy with our younger players in the squad who learned so much from him during his time with us.”

Featherstone begin their Championship season tonight under a cloud after ex-England second-row Brett Ferres was banned for 10 days following a breach of Covid-19 policy and general manager Steve Gill unexpectedly quit.

The RFL are investigating the club after Ferres was identified as having taken part in a behindclosed-doors gathering in the bar at Rovers’ Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Featherstone host Batley Bulldogs this evening and then face Super League opponents Hull FC in the Challenge Cup at Post Office Road on Saturday week.

Halifax Panthers open up against London Broncos at The Shay this tea-time.