Jonny Lomax, the celebrated stalwart of St Helens Rugby League, has confirmed that the 2026 Super League campaign will be his final season before retiring from professional play. The announcement, made on Tuesday via his personal Instagram account, brings to a close a remarkable two‑decade career that began in his hometown and culminated in numerous domestic and international triumphs. Lomax’s journey with the Saints has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Since breaking into the first‑team squad, he has amassed a total of 388 appearances for St Helens, contributing to five Grand Final victories, a Challenge Cup win, and a World Club Challenge title. His versatility and tenacity on the field made him a fixture in the side’s backline, and his leadership qualities eventually earned him the captain’s armband, allowing him to steer the team through both triumphant and challenging periods.
Internationally, Lomax earned four caps for the Great Britain Lions and eleven caps for England. Among those appearances, the highlight was his participation in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final, where England faced a formidable Australian side.
Although the match ended in defeat, Lomax’s performance on the world stage cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most reliable and resilient players. The decision to retire was not made lightly. In June, Lomax suffered a serious jaw fracture during a hard‑fought loss to Warrington Wolves, an injury that has kept him sidelined ever since.
Despite intensive rehabilitation, the lingering effects of that injury, combined with a history of extensive medical setbacks—including nineteen operations overall and twelve knee surgeries before he turned twenty‑six—have taken a toll on his body. Nevertheless, the veteran expressed gratitude for the hardships, noting that each scar serves as a testament to his dedication and love for the game.
His Instagram post read: "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. 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. 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 ops by the age of 26]. Despite this, I still feel lucky. For those that have supported me throughout it all...
I hope I have been able to do you proud." Lomax’s retirement comes at a pivotal moment for St Helens. The club currently sits 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 spots, meaning they must overtake at least 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 place in the postseason. The race is tight, and every point will be crucial as the Saints push to finish the campaign on a high note for their departing legend.
Meanwhile, the league leaders, Leeds Rhinos, have already locked in a playoff berth, as have Wigan Warriors, who sit level on 38 points but trail on points differential, and Warrington Wolves, who sit in third place. The final weeks of the season promise intense competition, with Sky Sports broadcasting every match live. Two fixtures each round are shown exclusively on the main Sky Sports channel, while the remaining five are available via Sky Sports+. Beyond the immediate implications for St Helens, Lomax’s retirement marks the end of an era for English rugby league.
His career is a blueprint for aspiring players: a local boy who rose through the ranks, endured countless injuries, and still managed to capture the sport’s highest honors. His story underscores the physical demands of professional rugby league and the mental fortitude required to persevere through adversity.
Looking ahead, Lomax has hinted that his involvement with the sport may continue off the field. While he has not disclosed specific post‑retirement plans, many former players transition into coaching, punditry, or ambassadorial roles, leveraging their experience to mentor the next generation. Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely to see how he chooses to stay connected to the game that shaped his life.
In summary, Jonny Lomax’s decision to retire at the close of the 2026 season brings a distinguished chapter of St Helens rugby league to a close. His legacy includes 388 club appearances, multiple championship titles, and a distinguished international résumé.
As the Saints battle for playoff qualification in the final weeks, they do so with the knowledge that they are honoring a player who has given his all, scar after scar, for the love of the sport. The rugby league community wishes him the best in his future endeavors, confident that his impact will be felt long after his boots are hung up.