Mark Percival: St Helens and England centre to retire at the end of the season

St Helens centre and former England international Mark Percival will retire from rugby league at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old has spent his entire career with Saints and during that time won five Super League titles, four League Leaders' Shields, the Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge.

He has made a total of 273 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2013 and has missed much of this season through injury - but he has been named in Saints' matchday squad , external to face Leigh Leopards this weekend.

"This has not been an easy decision, and there's a lot of emotion around it," Percival told the club website. , external

"I love this club so much, and I want to play. I want to be out there helping the team and to be with the fans, so not being able to do that has been difficult, and it makes this decision even harder.

"This is not a choice I've made overnight. It's always difficult when you have to step away, and knowing if it's the right decision can be hard too. Ultimately, I feel like this is going to be the right decision, even though my mind is telling me to play on; sadly, my body is telling me different.

"I'll be getting my shoulder replaced at the end of the year. It is what it is. Long-term it means I'll be able to pick my kids up and not deal with the symptoms I have this season, which is something I've been struggling with."

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Percival's retirement comes after he signed a new deal earlier this season to remain with the club until the end of the 2027 season.

He also calls time on his career at the same time as team-mate Jonny Lomax, who will also retire at the end of the current campaign.

A foot injury meant Percival missed the beginning of this season, while a hamstring injury has also limited his appearances this term to a total of seven, with his most recent coming in their win against Huddersfield Giants in June.

Percival was granted a testimonial by St Helens in 2023, the same year in which they defeated NRL premiers Penrith Panthers in Australia in the World Club Challenge.