FORMER Warrington Wolves favourite Paul Vaughan has announced his retirement from professional rugby league.
The Australian prop forward confirmed his decision on Tuesday evening at current club York Knights’ end-of-season awards presentation, with the Knights’ clash with Bradford Bulls on Thursday now set to be the final game of Vaughan’s 14-year career.
Three of those years were spent as the cornerstone of Warrington’s front row after being brought to the club by then-head coach Daryl Powell ahead of the 2023 season.
In total, he played 78 times for The Wire and scored nine tries before leaving the club to join York at the end of last season.
Before joining Warrington, he played more than 200 NRL games for Canberra Raiders, St George Illawarra Dragons and Canterbury Bulldogs while also playing six times for New South Wales in the State of Origin arena.
Internationally, Vaughan represented both his country of birth and his family heritage as he earned caps for both Australia and Italy.
"Rugby league has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Vaughan said.
“What started as a childhood dream became a career and a journey I could never have imagined, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived it.
"To my family, teammates, coaches, staff and everyone who has supported me over the years, thank you. You’ve all played a part in a journey I’ll be forever proud of.
"To York Knights, thank you for giving me the opportunity to finish my career doing what I’ve loved since I was a kid. I wish the club, the boys and all the fans nothing but the best moving forward.
"I walk away from the game grateful, proud and with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
"What a ride. Thank you.”
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