YORK Knights' Danny Kirmond has announced his retirement from rugby after almost two decades in the sport.

The 37-year-old forward has called time on an 18-year career that has seen him make over 360 career appearances for Featherstone Rovers, Huddersfield Giants, Wakefield Trinity and the Knights.

York pulled off a coup to secure Kirmond's services ahead of the 2021 Betfred Championship season, with the one-time England international making the move to the LNER Community Stadium from hometown club Wakefield.

He went on to make 64 appearances for the Knights, scoring 13 times, and enjoyed his most prolific season in the city in 2023 despite taking on a dual player/coach role.

Kirmond scored five times in 21 appearances last term, including a brace in their outstanding 24-22 victory over Sheffield Eagles in the Betfred Challenge Cup - despite later being sent off just half an hour into the match.

He also marked his 350th career appearance in the Knights' 14-12 defeat to Whitehaven in March.

York Press: Kirmond made his 350th career appearance in the Knights' defeat to Whitehaven in March.Kirmond made his 350th career appearance in the Knights' defeat to Whitehaven in March. (Image: Craig Hawkhead)

The second-rower confirmed his retirement on Instagram, saying: "Well, after 18 incredible years, I have decided to retire from rugby league.

"I have had an amazing career and I owe so much to the game of rugby league. I am so grateful for the opportunities to represent 4 amazing clubs and places in @fevroversrlfc @giantsrl_official @wtrinityrl and most recently @yorkcityknights.

"To all coaches, staff and teammates, thank you for all the memories, support and opportunities.

"I am so grateful for the times that I have had, rugby league has played a massive part in my life. It's helped me grow into the person that I am, gave me the opportunity to share the Wembley field with my best friend and definitely saved me over the last 18 months.

"Lastly, thank you to my amazing family for all your love and support, I couldn't have achieved any of it without you.

"Onto the next challenge, Kirmo."

Kirmond began his career at Featherstone in 2005, initially as a winger, returning a tally of 41 tries in 73 appearances during his three-year spell at the club.

That included an impressive 25 tries in 32 appearances in 2007, Kirmond finishing as the club's top try scorer as they earned promotion back to the second tier.

He began the transition into his forward role after signing for Huddersfield the following year, and was a part of the side that was defeated by Warrington Wolves in the 2009 Challenge Cup Final.

A loan spell to Wakefield followed in 2010, with Kirmond going on to spend the majority of his career thereafter at his hometown club.

The second-rower became a firm fan favourite after making the permanent move to Wakefield in 2012, serving as the club's captain from midway through that season until the 2019 campaign.

During his time there, he was named in the 2013 Betfred Super League Dream Team, before helping the club to victory in the 2015 Million Pound Game and playing a key role in the side that secured three consecutive finishes in the Super 8s between 2016 and 2018.

In total, he scored 46 tries in 174 appearances for the Bell Vue club, and also earned his only England cap in their pre-season International Origin Series against the Exiles in 2012.