Jonny Lomax, the celebrated St Helens stalwart, has confirmed that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 Super League campaign. The announcement, made on Tuesday, comes after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a serious jaw fracture he sustained during the Saints' June loss to the Warrington Wolves. Lomax’s career with St Helens spans 388 first‑team appearances, during which he helped the club capture five Super League Grand Final titles, a Challenge Cup triumph and a World Club Challenge victory. Beyond his club achievements, Lomax earned four caps for Great Britain and eleven caps for England.
His international resume includes a place in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final, where England fell to Australia. The veteran’s decision to retire was communicated through an Instagram post in which he 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 went on to reflect on his two‑decade‑long journey, noting that he had lived out a childhood dream and exceeded every expectation he once held. "Representing and captaining my hometown club and, of course, the pinnacle, representing England and Great Britain," he said, highlighting the pride he felt wearing the Saints jersey and the national colours.
Lomax also addressed the physical toll his sport had taken. "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," he revealed.
Despite the relentless injury list, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had been afforded. "Despite this, I still feel lucky," he added, acknowledging the support of family, friends, and fans throughout his career. He concluded his message with a heartfelt thank‑you to those who have stood by him: "For those that have supported me throughout it all... I hope I have been able to do you proud." The announcement arrives at a crucial juncture for the Saints.
Currently sitting on 28 points, they occupy seventh place in the Super League table, just outside the playoff positions with three matches remaining. To secure a postseason berth, St Helens must overtake at least one of the teams ahead of them—Hull KR (sixth with 30 points), Leigh Leopards (fifth with 32 points) or Wakefield Trinity (fourth, also on 32 points).
The race is tight, and every point will be vital in the final stretch of the season. Meanwhile, the league leaders Leeds Rhinos have already clinched a playoff spot, as have the Wigan Warriors, who sit level on 38 points but trail on points differential, and Warrington Wolves, who sit third and are also through. The competition for the remaining playoff slots remains fierce, and the Saints will be looking to finish the season strongly, both to honour Lomax’s final campaign and to cement their own standing.
Fans can follow every Super League fixture live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast all matches throughout the season. Two games each round will be shown exclusively on the main Sky Sports channel, while the remaining five fixtures will be available via the Sky Sports+ streaming service. For those who prefer to listen to analysis and commentary, the "Bench" podcast featuring Jenna and Jon offers insights and discussion about the league’s developments.
As Lomax prepares to step away from the field, his legacy at St Helens is already cemented. He will be remembered not only for the trophies he helped secure but also for his leadership, resilience, and the sheer number of times he returned from injury to perform at the highest level.
His story serves as an inspiration to younger players who aspire to follow in his footsteps, demonstrating that dedication, hard work, and a love for the game can lead to a remarkable career. Looking ahead, the Saints will need to plan for the post‑Lomax era, identifying emerging talent to fill the void left by a player who has been a cornerstone of the squad for nearly two decades.
The club’s coaching staff will likely promote younger members of the academy and may explore the transfer market to ensure the team remains competitive in the coming seasons. In summary, Jonny Lomax’s decision to retire at the end of the 2026 season marks the end of an era for St Helens and for English rugby league as a whole. His contributions on and off the field have left an indelible mark, and his final season will be watched closely by supporters eager to see a legend bow out with dignity and pride.
The upcoming matches will not only determine the Saints' playoff fate but also serve as a fitting farewell to one of the sport's most respected figures.