Jonny Lomax, the celebrated stalwart of St Helens, has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby league at the conclusion of the 2026 Super League campaign. The announcement, made on Tuesday, brings to a close a remarkable career that has spanned two decades and left an indelible mark on both club and country. Lomax’s journey with the Saints began in his teenage years and evolved into a record‑breaking tenure of 388 first‑team appearances. During that time he helped the club secure five Super League Grand Final victories, a Challenge Cup triumph and a World Club Challenge title, cementing his status as one of the most decorated players in the modern era of the sport.
On the international stage, Lomax earned four caps for Great Britain and eleven for England. His most memorable moment in a England shirt came in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final, where he lined up against a formidable Australian side.
Although the English team fell short, Lomax’s performance was widely praised and added another prestigious chapter to his résumé. The decision to retire was communicated through a heartfelt Instagram post. In the message, Lomax wrote, "At the end of 2026, I will call time on my playing career. This was something I always planned, and those closest to me have always been aware of it." He reflected on the two‑decade journey, noting that he had turned a childhood dream into a reality that exceeded his wildest expectations.
"Representing and captaining my hometown club and, of course, the pinnacle, representing England and Great Britain," he added. Lomax also addressed the physical toll the game had taken on his body. "I will retire at the age of 36, grateful for the life the game has given me, knowing I have given it everything I could, with the scars to prove it – 19 operations, including 12 knee surgeries by the age of 26.
Despite this, I still feel lucky," he said. His candid admission underscores the resilience required to compete at the highest level for so long. He concluded his post by thanking the fans and supporters who had stood by him throughout his career: "For those that have supported me throughout it all...
I hope I have been able to do you proud." ### Current Season Context St Helens find themselves in a precarious position as the regular season draws to a close. The team sits on 28 points, occupying seventh place in the Super League table—just outside the playoff bracket with three matches remaining. To secure a postseason berth, the Saints must overtake at least one of the clubs ahead of them: Hull KR (sixth, 30 points), Leigh Leopards (fifth, 32 points) or Wakefield Trinity (fourth, 32 points). The race is tight, and every point will be crucial in the final stretch.
Meanwhile, the league leaders Leeds Rhinos have already locked in a playoff spot, as have Wigan Warriors, who sit level on 38 points but trail on points differential, and Warrington Wolves, who sit in third place. These teams have already secured their places, leaving St Helens to fight for the remaining slots.
### Broadcasting and Media Coverage Fans can follow every Super League fixture this season via Sky Sports, which holds the rights to broadcast all matches live. Two games per round are shown exclusively on the main Sky Sports channel, while the remaining five fixtures are available on Sky Sports+.
Additionally, the "Bench" podcast, hosted by Jenna and Jon, provides in‑depth analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes insight into the league’s weekly action. For an optimal viewing experience, the league recommends using the Chrome browser to access the video player, ensuring better accessibility and smoother playback. ### Legacy and Impact Jonny Lomax’s retirement will mark the end of an era for St Helens.
His leadership on the field, versatility across the back row, and relentless work ethic have made him a role model for younger players. Beyond the statistics—five Grand Finals, a Challenge Cup, a World Club Challenge, and numerous international caps—Lomax’s influence is evident in the culture of the club, which continues to emphasize resilience, community, and ambition. Looking ahead, the Saints will need to identify a successor who can fill the leadership vacuum left by Lomax’s departure. The club’s recruitment and development pathways will be under scrutiny as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in a league that is increasingly balanced and unpredictable.
As the 2026 season approaches its climax, all eyes will be on Lomax’s final appearances. Whether he adds another victory to his illustrious record or bows out after a hard‑fought campaign, his contribution to rugby league will be remembered for generations to come.