Thornley announces retirement
Iain Thornley has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league, bringing an end to a 16-year playing career and his two-year spell with the Roughyeds after reaching a mutual agreement with the club.
The former Super League and Challenge Cup winner made 10 appearances for Oldham, with his time at the club hampered by a number of long-term injuries.
Thornley had scored six tries in his first eight appearances before suffering an ACL injury which required surgery.
After 428 days on the sidelines, the 33-year-old made his return in June, coming off the bench in Oldham’s away victory at Workington.
His comeback was, however, short-lived, with Thornley suffering another cruel setback the following month after putting in the hard work to return to full fitness.
Head coach Alan Kilshaw said:
“Iain was the ultimate pro. He has been unlucky with injuries in his time at the club but has been a great leader off the field for us.
He has had a great career and we wish him luck in his next chapter.”
Thornley announced his retirement on Instagram this evening, writing:
“All good things must come to an end, after 16 unforgettable years I am retiring from professional rugby.
From starting at Ashton Bears in my amateur years and going on to Wigan St Pats it started that love of rugby league. Never would I thought I would get to do it as a living and represent my hometown club Wigan Warriors to whom I am very grateful to for all the training and time they put into me as a young kid and then a player.
I have some incredible memories from my short stint in rugby union and my career in rugby league and gave everything when I wore the jersey. To all the Clubs I represented I thank you for allowing me to live my dream, to all the staff, coaches, players and fans thank you for giving me so many memories and friendships I know will last a lifetime.
Finally thank you to my family, Lauren, James and Ellie. From being moved around the country, living in France and putting up with the lows of injuries I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Oldham would like to place on record its thanks to Iain and wishes him all the best for the future.