Long calls it quits

Former Great Britain scrum-half Sean Long has confirmed his retirement from the game at the age of 34.

The Hull half-back, who became one of the most colourful and controversial figures of the Super League era during a trophy-laden 12-year spell with St Helens, has finally given in to a string of injuries that have restricted him to just 21 appearances since he moved to the KC Stadium last season.

A dislocated shoulder suffered in June's clash with Hull KR has become the final straw for the three-time Lance Todd trophy winner, who has also suffered elbow, thumb and leg injuries during his time with the Black and Whites.

With Hull not forthcoming in offering him a deal beyond the end of the season, he is now planning a move into coaching and will announce where he will be doing so over the coming days.

"This isn't the time I had planned to bow out or the way that I wanted to do it either," Long told the Hull Daily Mail.

"Making this decision has been killing me. It isn't how I wanted to end my career.

"It has been such a difficult decision, but an opportunity has come up and it is something I have to take now.

"I am disappointed I won't get to see things through at Hull, especially with a new owner coming in. But I've not spoken to anyone, there is no deal on the table and I cannot afford to sit around waiting for a deal."