Bradford Bulls have announced that Danny Brough has taken medical advice and has had to retire from Rugby League.
Brough retires as the joint-fifth highest points scorer in the history of Rugby League and has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning 19 years.
The halfback’s career began with Dewsbury Rams before a two-year stint with York City Knights where his performances earned him a move to Betfred Super League side Hull FC in 2005.
In his debut season for the Black and Whites, Brough was instrumental in helping the club lift the Challenge Cup for the first time since 1982 with his drop-goal proving the difference in the 25-24 victory over Leeds at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
Brough would go on to enjoy spells with Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity between 2007 and 2010 before making the move to Huddersfield Giants for whom he would represent for nine seasons.
At the end of the 2013 season, Huddersfield lifted the League Leaders’ Shield and Brough was named as the Steve Prescott Man of Steel for his performances in the Claret and Gold. He would return to Wakefield Trinity for two seasons before finishing his career in the Betfred Championship with Bradford Bulls.
On the International stage, Brough represented Scotland on 24 occasions including helping the Bravehearts earn a memorable 18-18 draw against New Zealand at Workington in the 2016 Four Nations.
Bradford Bulls Head Coach John Kear paid tribute to Brough saying: “It is very sad news; it was the third time we have worked together and unfortunately it has come to a sad end but one I feel Danny’s body was telling him and consequently I feel he has made the correct decision.
“A fit Danny Brough would get into any team, but father time catches up with everyone and your body tells you when it is time. Danny has listened and hopefully he can enjoy a very illustrious retirement and reflect on everything he has achieved.
“In that game, in my opinion when Kevin Sinfield won the Lance Todd Trophy, I feel the journalists got it wrong and if they waited a little bit longer, they’d have seen a bloke playing at scrum half playing for Hull! He has made a big impression and I hope he is remembered as such.
“We would like to thank him for what he has done, we did not get to see the best of Danny which is unfortunate and the reasons for that are well documented in forcing his retirement on medical grounds, but I would personally like to say thank you.
“I am sure the club would like to as well; I am sure Bradford fans and Rugby League fans in general will wish Danny well and hope he has an illustrious future in front of him.”
