Rhodri Lloyd will call time on his Rugby League career at the end of the 2025 Betfred Championship campaign, having announced his retirement from the professional game.
The 32-year-old, who joined the Vikings ahead of last season, will bring the curtain down on a 15-year career which has seen him make over 300 senior appearances and represent his country on the international stage.
During his time at the DCBL Stadium, he has made 51 appearances, scoring 13 tries.
Lloyd has captained the Vikings on seven occasions.
A product of the Champion Schools system, Rhodri was still in sixth form when he became Wales’ youngest ever capped senior international.
He has gone on to play in three World Cups in 2013, 2017, and 2022. Crossing for his first World Cup try in Wales’ 32-16 defeat to Italy at the Millennium Stadium 12 years ago.
On his decision to retire, Rhodri said: “I’ve made the decision to hang up the boots after 15 years. Obviously, I’ve played a lot of that period part-time, and I just felt it was becoming more difficult to balance things between work and rugby.
“I work as a teacher, so trying to juggle work commitments and parents’ evenings whilst trying to make it to training was quite tough.”
He added: “Another big reason for the decision is that I’ve got a second baby on the way, and with all our family being back home in Wales, we don’t have the support network up here to help us.
“With all those factors and the fact that my wife would be at home with two toddlers without that support network, I think it would have been quite selfish of me to continue with rugby. So I think the time is definitely right to hang up the boots.”
Reflecting on his time with Widnes, Lloyd said: “Playing for Widnes has been one of the highlights of my career. It was crucial for me to understand the significance this club held for the people of Widnes. So I’ve always tried to go out and wear the badge with pride.
“I’ve always felt the love from the fans, even though we’ve not had quite as good a season this year as we did last, the support from the fans has always been fantastic.
“It’s also great to be part of the proud Welsh history that’s been associated with Widnes Vikings. I’m certainly in good company there with some of the Welsh greats that have represented this club, so I’m really proud of that.”
On his career highlights, he said: “I’d say to have played in three World Cups is something I’ll always be proud of. Scoring at the Millennium Stadium in 2013 was a fantastic feeling, and I feel incredibly privileged to be the youngest ever player to play for Wales.
“Getting to play in Super League for Widnes, Wigan, and London. To have been able to play at the pinnacle was fantastic. I’ve just enjoyed every minute of it; they’ve all been highlights for me.”
Rhodri had a final message for his coaches and family. He said: “I just want to thank all the coaches I’ve had over the course of my career.
“A special mention to Allan Coleman and Tom Wood, they’ve done so much for me over the last 5/6 years and have been brilliant to work with.
“And most of all, I just want to say a massive thank you to my wife and family for supporting me throughout my career.”
Vikings Head Coach, Allan Coleman, said: “Where do I start with Rhod. An absolute legend of a guy. Pretty much my whole professional career as a coach, I’ve worked alongside Rhod; he’s someone I consider a really close friend.
“I can’t thank him enough for his efforts. He’s had a fantastic career, playing over 300 games, and representing his country is a brilliant achievement.
“He’ll be massively missed at our club, but we wish him the best of luck in whatever he does next.”
Everybody at the club would like to wish Rhodri and his family the very best in their futures away from Rugby League, and thank him for all of his efforts in a Vikings shirt.
