By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 14:43, Thursday, 15 December 2011

CUMBRIAN sporting giant Rob Purdham has announced his retirement from professional rugby league.

retiring: Rob Purdham, here playing for Cumbria v England

The 31-year-old former international spent a decade in Super League with London Broncos, later known as Harlequins, after playing 55 times for his local pro club Whitehaven.

He also made 12 representative appearances and featured in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup in Australia, playing in England’s semi-final defeat to New Zealand.

But he was known recently to have suffered shoulder problems and despite interest from his former club Haven, he has decided to hang up his boots.

Purdham said: “I am sad to announce that I am retiring from all professional rugby due to medical advice. I have enjoyed every minute of being a professional player and my 10 years in London will live with me forever.

“I have met and played with some very special people over the years and feel very privileged to have done so. I wish London Broncos all the best for the future.”

Purdham announced in September he would be leaving Harlequins RL, after making 197 appearances, to return home to Cumbria with wife Sarah, who has recently given birth to their first child. It is thought he will focus on working on the family farm at Gosforth.

The popular forward is also nearing the end of a year-long testimonial which runs until March and included a golf day at Seascale attended by RL legend Sean Long, among other stars of the game.

“The testimonial has been very hard work for everyone involved and it would never have happened without a great committee,” he said. “It has gone very well so far even without a testimonial game, which we couldn’t get the go-ahead for from the club.

“My last testimonial event will be a dinner in London when I hope I can see a lot of people who have made my time in London so special.”

His testimonial included an innovative approach with the addition of a recipe book, entitled From Farm to Field. He explained: “As part of the testimonial year we have also produced a cookery book which is going really well at the moment and the feedback from people who have got one is excellent.

“We’ve also got other merchandise available on the website and it has been reduced for Christmas so get your little piece of Purdo.”

First published at 11:13, Thursday, 15 December 2011
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk