Jonny Lomax, the celebrated veteran of St Helens Rugby League, has confirmed that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 Super League campaign. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks the end of an era for a player who has become synonymous with the club’s modern success. Lomax’s last appearance on the field came in June, when he suffered a fractured jaw during the Saints’ loss to the Warrington Wolves. Since that injury, he has not featured for the first‑team, but his decision to call time on his playing days was already in the works.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 36‑year‑old 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 a two‑decade journey that began as a school‑yard dream and evolved into a decorated professional career. “Over the last 20 years [18 professionally], I have been able to live out a boyhood dream.
Achieving far more than I could ever have imagined. Representing and captaining my hometown club and, of course, the pinnacle, representing England and Great Britain,” Lomax said.
The words capture both the pride he feels for his hometown Saints and the honor of wearing the national jerseys. The statistics behind Lomax’s legacy are staggering.
He has taken the field for St Helens 388 times, a tally that places him among the club’s most‑capped players. In those appearances he helped the team capture five Super League Grand Finals, a Challenge Cup triumph, and a World Club Challenge title. On the international stage, Lomax earned four caps for Great Britain and eleven for England, highlighted by a place in the 2017 World Cup final against Australia.
His career has not been without physical sacrifice. Lomax disclosed that he has undergone 19 operations, including an astonishing twelve knee surgeries before he turned 26.
“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 wrote, acknowledging the toll the sport has taken on his body while expressing gratitude for the opportunities it afforded him. The Saints, currently sitting on 28 points and occupying seventh place in the Super League table, find themselves just outside the playoff positions with three matches remaining. To secure a spot they must overtake one of the teams ahead of them—Hull KR (sixth with 30 points), Leigh Leopards (fifth with 32 points), or Wakefield Trinity (fourth with 32 points). The race is tight, and the Saints will need a strong finish to climb the ladder.
Meanwhile, league leaders Leeds Rhinos, along with Wigan Warriors (tied on 38 points but lagging on point differential) and Warrington Wolves (third with 38 points), have already locked in their playoff berths. Lomax’s retirement will be felt not only by the club but also by the broader rugby league community. Over his career he has been praised for his versatility—capable of playing at full‑back, centre, and wing—and for his leadership qualities, having captained the Saints on numerous occasions.
Teammates and coaches have lauded his work ethic, his resilience in the face of injury, and his ability to perform in high‑pressure situations, particularly during Grand Final victories. Beyond the pitch, Lomax has been an ambassador for the sport, engaging with fans through social media, community events, and charitable initiatives. His Instagram post, which announced his impending retirement, was met with an outpouring of support from supporters worldwide, many of whom shared personal stories of how his performances inspired them.
Looking ahead, Lomax hinted that he may stay connected to rugby league in a different capacity. While he did not specify any concrete plans, he expressed a desire to give back to the game that shaped his life.
Former teammates speculated that coaching, talent development, or media work could be possible pathways for the former captain. For those wishing to follow the remainder of the 2026 season, Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League match live, with two fixtures each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five available via Sky Sports+. Fans can also keep up with league standings, live scores, and analysis through the league’s official website and the “Bench” podcast hosted by Jenna and Jon. In his final words, Lomax thanked the supporters who have 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.” As the 2026 season draws to a close, the rugby league world will celebrate the contributions of a player who gave his all, endured countless injuries, and helped St Helens achieve a period of sustained excellence. His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but his legacy will endure in the memories of fans, the history of the club, and the young players who will aspire to follow in his footsteps.