Jonny Lomax, the celebrated stalwart of St Helens Rugby League, has confirmed that he will call time on his playing career 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 journey with the Saints has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since breaking into the first‑team squad, he has amassed a staggering 388 appearances, a testament to his durability and consistency.
During those games he helped St Helens secure five Grand Final victories, added a Challenge Cup triumph to his résumé, and was part of the squad that clinched the World Club Challenge. Each of those honours reflects not only his personal skill but also his ability to perform when the stakes were highest. On the international stage, Lomax earned four caps for Great Britain and eleven for England.
His most memorable moment in a England jersey came in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final, where he faced off against a dominant Australian side. Though the Saints’ star was unable to lift the trophy, his presence in that high‑profile match underscored his status as one of the game’s elite play‑makers. The decision to retire was communicated through a heartfelt Instagram post.
In it, 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 went on to reflect on two decades of involvement with the sport—eighteen of those years at the professional level—explaining that he had lived out a childhood dream that far exceeded his original 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 has 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," he said, noting that he had undergone 19 operations, including an astonishing twelve knee surgeries before turning 26.
Despite the relentless injury list, he expressed a sense of fortune: "Despite this, I still feel lucky." He concluded his message with a note of gratitude to the fans and 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." 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 zone, meaning they must 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 is tight, and every point will be crucial in the final stretch of the season.
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 comfortably in third place. All three clubs have secured their places in the postseason, leaving St Helens to fight for the remaining slots. For supporters eager to follow the concluding games, Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League match live this season. Two fixtures each round will be shown exclusively on the main Sky Sports channel, while the remaining five games will be available via Sky Sports+.
Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the best video player experience. Beyond the on‑field drama, Lomax’s retirement will leave a sizeable gap in the Saints’ roster. Over the past two decades, he has been a versatile utility player, capable of covering fullback, centre, and stand‑off positions, and his leadership both on and off the field has been integral to the club’s culture. His departure will likely accelerate the development of younger talents who have been waiting in the wings, as the coaching staff look to rebuild around a new core while preserving the winning mentality that Lomax helped instill.
In addition to his playing duties, Lomax has been involved in community outreach programs, youth coaching clinics, and charity events throughout his tenure, further cementing his legacy as a role model beyond the stadium. His retirement will therefore be felt not only in the locker room but also throughout the broader St Helens community.
As the 2026 season draws to a close, fans and pundits alike will reflect on Lomax’s contributions: the jaw‑breaking injury he suffered in the June clash with Warrington Wolves, which kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season, and the resilience he displayed in returning to form after numerous surgeries. His career, marked by perseverance, triumph, and humility, sets a benchmark for future generations of rugby league players.
In summary, Jonny Lomax’s decision to retire after the 2026 campaign marks the end of a distinguished chapter in St Helens’ history. His 388‑game legacy, five Grand Final victories, international caps, and unwavering dedication to the club have left an indelible imprint on the sport. As the Saints push for a final playoff push and Lomax prepares for life beyond the pitch, the rugby league world will watch with respect and admiration for a player who gave his all, scar after scar, for the love of the game.