Legend Kopczak retires from rugby league

Roughyeds prop forward Craig Kopczak has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league after almost two decades in the British game. 

The former Wales captain has enjoyed a 19-year professional career, helping Oldham gain a stunning promotion back to the Championship in 2024.

Kopczak was a Super League stalwart, representing Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield, Salford and Wakefield with distinction at the top level, and winning the League Leaders' Shield with the Giants in 2013. 

He spent three successful seasons with Featherstone Rovers, winning the 1895 Cup in 2021 and the League Leaders' Shield in 2023.

Kopczak also captained Wales at the 2013 World Cup and is one of an elite group of players to have finished top of the league in each of the top three divisions of the British game. 

The 38-year old has not featured for Sean Long's side in 2025, and the club has agreed to Kopczak's desire to call time on an outstanding career that has spanned 436 games and 50 tries for club and country.

"Sadly I am announcing my retirement with immediate effect," he told Roughyeds TV.

"It is a decision I have been thinking about for a while now and my body has had enough.

"The time has come, as upsetting as it is. I have no doubts.

"I'm leaving the club in fantastic hands and I wish them all the very best.

"I'm hugely proud of my achievements and I could not have done it all without the sacrifices of my family.

"They have put up with a lot from me, and I'm really proud of what I have achieved. 

"I wanted to keep going this year but every rugby league player will come to a stage in their mind and in their heart when you know it is done, and when the time is right. That time is now."

Kopczak started his career at Bradford, making 123 appearances for the Bulls after his debut in 2006.

He joined Huddersfield in 2013, winning the League Leaders' Shield with the Giants in a three-season stint before moving to Salford, Wakefield and Featherstone, where he worked alongside current Roughyeds Matty Wildie, Elijah Taylor and head coach Sean Long.

Oldham chairman Bill Quinn said: "He is a great guy, a lovely man and as soon as we met him I felt that.

"You can tell that he will always give his all, but he also knows when the time is right to stop. 

"It is sad but these things happen in sport, and from myself, Mike (Ford) and the board we wish him well for the future, it has been great having him and he will always be welcome at Oldham."

A hugely popular and impressive member of the Oldham squad on and off the pitch, Kopczak leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.

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