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 was made public on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for one of the club’s most beloved figures. Lomax’s career with the Saints has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since breaking into the first‑team, he has amassed a total of 388 appearances, a tally that places him among the most capped players in the club’s modern history.
During his tenure, Lomax helped St Helens secure five Grand Final victories, adding a Challenge Cup triumph and a World Club Challenge title to his impressive haul of silverware. His contributions on the field have been integral to the team’s dominance in the domestic competition and on the international stage.
On the international front, Lomax earned four caps representing Great Britain and eleven caps for England. Among those appearances was a memorable role in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final, where he stood against a formidable Australian side.
His performances for his country have earned him a reputation as a reliable and versatile playmaker, capable of influencing the outcome of high‑stakes matches. The decision to retire was communicated by Lomax via an Instagram post, in which he reflected on his two‑decade‑long journey in the sport. 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." He went on to express gratitude for the opportunities he had been afforded, noting that he had lived out a childhood dream and surpassed his own expectations. "Representing and captaining my hometown club and, of course, the pinnacle, representing England and Great Britain," he added.
Lomax also acknowledged the physical toll that a professional rugby league career can exact. He announced that he will retire at the age of 36, acknowledging the many injuries he has endured, including nineteen surgeries, with twelve of those operations performed on his knees before he turned 26. Despite these challenges, he described himself as feeling "lucky" for the experiences and the support he has received throughout his career.
The veteran’s final message was directed at the fans and supporters who have stood by him through triumphs and setbacks alike. "For those that have supported me throughout it all... I hope I have been able to do you proud," he concluded, underscoring his deep appreciation for the community that has backed him. St Helens currently sit on 28 points, occupying seventh place in the Super League table with three matches remaining in the regular season.
This position places them just outside the playoff zone, needing to overtake one of the teams ahead—Hull KR (sixth with 30 points), Leigh Leopards (fifth with 32 points), or Wakefield Trinity (fourth with 32 points)—to secure a postseason berth. The race for the final playoff spots is tightening, and the Saints will be looking to finish the campaign strongly for both the club and their departing legend.
Meanwhile, the league leaders, Leeds Rhinos, have already secured a top‑four finish, while Wigan Warriors, tied on 38 points but with a lesser points differential, and Warrington Wolves, sitting in third place, have also clinched their playoff positions. The remaining fixtures will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with two matches each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the other five matches available via the Sky Sports+ streaming service.
Lomax’s retirement will not only mark the end of a distinguished playing career but also open the door to potential new roles within the sport. Former players often transition into coaching, punditry, or ambassadorial positions, and given Lomax’s deep understanding of the game and his status as a respected figure, it is plausible that he may remain involved in rugby league in some capacity. His extensive experience, leadership qualities, and familiarity with both club and international environments could make him a valuable asset in player development or strategic planning for future Saints squads.
The legacy of Jonny Lomax will endure through the memories of his decisive tackles, creative playmaking, and unwavering commitment to St Helens. As the club prepares for the final matches of the season, supporters will undoubtedly cherish the opportunity to witness one of their icons take the field one last time, celebrating a career that has left an indelible imprint on the fabric of the club and the sport at large.