Stevie Ward - Leeds Rhinos pay tribute after ex-captain retires

Ward was appointed skipper ahead of the 2020 campaign, but suffered a head injury in a pre-season match at Wigan Warriors and did not play again after a similar incident in Betfred Super League round one against Hull.

The Leeds-born back-rower made his debut in 2012 and played 136 times for Rhinos, scoring 23 tries.

He featured in the 2012 and 2017 Super League Grand Final triumphs - the latter just eight days after suffering a dislocated shoulder - and was a Challenge Cup winner five years ago.

“It is always disappointing when any player is forced to retire from the game prematurely due to injury, but especially so when it is someone with so much talent and potential as Stevie Ward,” coach Richard Agar said.

“I know our medical team have worked tirelessly with Stevie to try and find a positive outcome, however - unfortunately - Stevie has now taken the difficult decision to begin the next stage of his journey after rugby.

“On a personal level, when I became head coach back in 2018, Stevie was one of the senior players who was a catalyst for change and getting the club back to our core values.

“Having made Stevie our captain a year ago, personally it is sad to see his career end this way, but I am sure he will bring the same level of professionalism and expertise to his future work that he has shown on the field throughout his career.”

Rhinos’ director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield is a former teammate of Ward and his predecessor in the number 13 jersey.

Sinfield said: “On behalf of everyone at the Rhinos, we would like to thank Stevie for his contribution to the club throughout his career.

“Having come through our Academy ranks he has gone on to be a Challenge Cup and Grand Final winner.

“I had the pleasure of playing alongside him and we wish him all the best for the future.”

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