Jonny Lomax, the celebrated stalwart of St Helens, has confirmed that he will step away from professional rugby league at the conclusion of the 2026 Super League campaign. The announcement, made on Tuesday, brings to a close a remarkable two‑decade tenure with the club that began when he was a teenager and quickly blossomed into one of the most respected careers in the modern game. Lomax’s final season will be his 18th at senior level, and he has already missed several weeks of action after suffering a fractured jaw in the Saints’ June loss to Warrington Wolves.
Despite the injury, his record with the club is nothing short of extraordinary: 388 first‑team appearances, five Grand Final victories, a Challenge Cup triumph and a World Club Challenge title. Those achievements have cemented his status as a true legend of the Red Devils. On the international stage, Lomax earned four caps for Great Britain and eleven for England. He was a key figure in England’s run to the 2017 World Cup final, where the side fell to a powerful Australian team.
His leadership qualities were evident not only in his club captaincy but also in the respect he commanded among teammates and opponents alike. The decision to retire was communicated through a heartfelt Instagram post. In his own words, 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 a career that spanned twenty years, eighteen of them at the professional level, describing it as the fulfillment of a childhood dream that exceeded even his loftiest expectations. He continued: “Representing and captaining my hometown club and, of course, the pinnacle, representing England and Great Britain, has been an honour beyond measure.” Lomax also acknowledged the physical toll the sport had taken on his body, noting that he had undergone nineteen operations, including twelve knee surgeries before he turned twenty‑six. “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,” he said, adding that despite the hardships he still felt fortunate.
The veteran’s final message was directed at the fans and supporters who had stood by him throughout his journey: “For those that have supported me throughout it all… I hope I have been able to do you proud.” St Helens currently sit on 28 points, occupying seventh place in the Super League table with three matches remaining. This position places them just outside the playoff spots, and they will need to overtake at least one of the teams ahead—Hull KR (sixth with 30 points), Leigh Leopards (fifth with 32 points), or Wakefield Trinity (fourth, also on 32 points)—to secure a place in the post‑season.
The race for the top four is already tightening, with Leeds Rhinos leading the league, while Wigan Warriors (tied on 38 points but with a lesser points differential) and Warrington Wolves (two points behind) have already locked in playoff berths. For supporters eager to follow the final stretch of the season, Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League fixture live. Two matches each round will be shown exclusively on the main channel, while the remaining five will be available via Sky Sports+. Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback.
Beyond the statistics and the on‑field drama, Lomax’s career is a case study in resilience and dedication. Overcoming repeated injuries—most notably a series of knee reconstructions that would have ended many a player’s career—he consistently returned to the field with the same intensity and skill that defined his early years. His ability to adapt his playing style, shifting from a dynamic ball‑handler to a more strategic playmaker as his body demanded, exemplifies the professionalism that younger players are encouraged to emulate.
Off the pitch, Lomax has been involved in community outreach programs in St Helens, often visiting schools and youth clubs to promote sport and healthy living. His ambassadorial work has helped to inspire a new generation of rugby league enthusiasts, ensuring that his influence will extend well beyond his playing days. As the 2026 season draws to a close, the rugby league community will reflect on Jonny Lomax’s legacy: a player who captured five league championships, lifted a Challenge Cup, represented his nation on the world stage, and did so while enduring more surgeries than most can imagine. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Saints, but also opens the door for emerging talent to step into the roles he leaves behind.
Fans can look forward to a final series of matches that will showcase Lomax’s experience one last time, as he aims to help St Helens climb back into the playoff positions. Whether the team secures a spot or not, Lomax’s contribution to the club’s history is already cemented, and his departure will be celebrated with the respect and admiration he so richly deserves.
The rugby league world wishes Jonny Lomax a fulfilling retirement, hopeful that he will stay connected to the sport—perhaps in coaching, commentary, or continued community work—continuing to shape the game he loves from a new perspective.