Leigh Leopards can confirm that Jack Hughes will retire from professional rugby league at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
The 34-year-old has brought the curtain down on a distinguished career spanning more than 15 years, during which he represented Wigan Warriors, Barrow Raiders, Leigh, Workington Town, Huddersfield Giants and Warrington Wolves, as well as England Knights and Great Britain.
A Super League Grand Final winner with Wigan in 2013, Hughes also lifted the Challenge Cup with Warrington in 2019 before helping the Leopards secure one of the greatest victories in the club’s history at Wembley in 2023.
Having briefly represented Leigh earlier in his career, Hughes returned ahead of that historic 2023 season and quickly established himself as one of the most respected figures within Adrian Lam’s squad.
Renowned for his toughness, professionalism and leadership, Hughes has played an influential role both on and off the field throughout four memorable seasons with the Leopards.
Speaking about his decision, Hughes said: “It’s been a long, hard-thought decision and a difficult one — a lot more difficult than I ever imagined it would be when the time came. Although we all know it’s coming for us at some point, I have decided that, at the end of the season, I will bring the curtain down.
“I made my mind up a few weeks ago, but if I’m honest, I was changing it on a daily basis depending on how I felt. I’ve been toying with it and it’s been really difficult, but I have made the decision now.”
Hughes also paid tribute to the Leigh supporters who have played such a significant part in the closing chapter of his career. “The fans are everything. You can put us on that field against a top club to play a game, but it’s not the same without the fans.
“They create the atmosphere, the buzz and the feelings that you crave and play for inside. It’s been an absolute privilege to put that shirt on and play here.
“Thank you. It’s not often that we get the chance to say that. Playing in front of you over the last four years has been absolutely massive and a huge part of my career.
“It has been the cherry on top of what was already a great career, and it was made special by you guys. Thank you.”
Head coach Adrian Lam praised the lasting impact Hughes has made on the club and the players around him.“It’s an emotional one. Jack came over in the Challenge Cup year and what he has done for us, both on and off the field, has been incredible.
“He has probably been the senior member of the group who has held that leadership role and helped to develop the players around him.
“He’s a player who, when he speaks, everyone listens. He has that aura about him, along with his leadership qualities and a quiet aggressiveness.
“How he has helped mould this team over the last four years has been incredible. It’s going to be sad for everyone involved because he is such a popular member of the group.
“He has a great sense of humour, he’s a tough player and he has led us from the front. He’s going to be sorely missed.”
Everyone at Leigh Leopards would like to thank Jack for his outstanding contribution to the club and congratulate him on an exceptional career.
The Leopards play their final home game of the Super League season on Friday 11 September, giving supporters the opportunity to pack the stands and show their appreciation for Jack.
Let’s give a leader, a Wembley winner and a true Leopard the send-off he deserves.
