Rugby league icon Ryan Hall has officially announced his retirement, bringing the curtain down on a glittering 20-year career that established him as one of the sport’s most lethal finishers.
The 38-year-old winger, whose name is synonymous with the golden era of the Leeds Rhinos, confirmed his decision on Friday. The announcement marks the end of an extraordinary journey that began with his Rhinos debut in 2007 and spanned across the world, including a stint in the NRL and a pivotal recent spell with Hull KR.
Reflecting on his decision to walk away from the sport, Hall expressed a sense of peace and pride in his longevity. “I’m officially retiring from playing rugby league,” Hall said. “I think the time’s right that I hang up the boots. I’ve done it for 20 years and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
Hall’s career statistics underline his standing as a true great of the game. He hangs up his boots having made over 500 professional appearances and sits second on the Super League all-time try-scoring list with 275 efforts, trailing only current Leigh Leopards winger Josh Charnley. A decorated champion, Hall won six Super League titles with Leeds, playing a central role in their decade of dominance, before playing a key part in helping Hull KR reach the Grand Final at Old Trafford in 2024.
His international career was similarly prolific. Hall earned 40 caps for England, scoring an incredible 39 tries, and represented Great Britain twice during the 2019 Lions tour of the southern hemisphere.
While his heart has long been at Headingley, his journey was not without its challenges. Following a successful first stint at Leeds, Hall experienced a difficult two-year spell with the Sydney Roosters in the NRL. He revitalized his career upon returning to England, signing with Hull KR in 2021 before making a poignant return to the Rhinos earlier this year.
Speaking on the club’s future, Hall showed the selflessness that defined his leadership, noting that he is stepping aside to allow for the next generation to take the reins. “The club’s in a good position to go with the youth; that’s the natural progression in rugby league,” he added. “I’ve always wanted the best for the club at heart, and if the decision is to go with the youth at this point in time, that suits me down to a tee.”
Fans will have one final opportunity to see the legend in action, as Hall has been granted a three-month testimonial period commencing in December. The period will culminate in a final farewell appearance in a friendly match against Hull FC. Following the match, Hall will transition into a new chapter of his career, taking up a commercial role at Headingley to remain within the Rhinos family.
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