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Swain, Richard |
  Richard SWAIN [Player Stats] + Submit additional information or a correction to this player 
Swain Says Thank You Fri July 13, 2007 Source: www.hullfc.com FORMER Hull FC skipper Richard Swain has no doubts he is leaving behind the best supporters in the world when he returns home to Australia. A persistent nerve back injury forced the New Zealand star to announce his retirement from the game this week and before the game against Harlequins at the KC Stadium he will say farewell to the fans. It has been a traumatic week for the 32-year-old and he is only just coming to terms with the tough and cruel decision he has had to make. He revealed earlier in the week that is was the toughest decision he has had to make in a glittering career, which has seen him win the hearts of the Hull fans after four glorious years with the club as well as earning the respect and admiration of players and spectators across the world from the NRL to Super League. It is an emotional time but Swain said he wanted the fans to know how he felt, and told the Hull FC Grapevine: "The fans at Hull have been fantastic both to me and my family during the four years we have been here. "I have found them very respectful, they have not bothered me when I have been out in the street and that has been very much appreciated. "They are terrific for the team and really do get behind the boys. "They can be hard at times, but their support is magnificent and it does give the boys a lift, especially when we are a little down and need an extra boost. "What has always impressed me is the support we get for away matches. The numbers of Hull fans who travel is fantastic and at some games I think they almost out number the home supporters. "This does make a big difference. It is great to hear them cheer when you run out, although I don't hear much after that because I get so caught up in concentrating on the game. "But our fans are the best in the league in my view and their support will be something I'll always remember when I am back home. "Seeing a sea of black and white is special and very much appreciated." News sent by: www.hullfc.com Richard Swain Retires Wed July 11, 2007 Source: www.hullfc.com Hull FC star hooker Richard Swain has lost his battle against a persistent nerve back injury and announced he was retiring. Swain, who led Hull to Challenge Cup glory in 2005 and their first ever Grand Final appearance last season, hasn't played since Hull's 9-9 draw with Huddersfield Giants at the KC Stadium on June 3. The 32-year-old New Zealand ace revealed: "This is easily the hardest decision I have had to make." He also admitted: "If it wasn't for a couple of people helping with the decision I wouldn't have been able to make it. I would not have been able to come out of myself and say I need to retire. "Sharpy (Peter Sharp) was one of those people and I have to thank them for their help and advice." Swain admitted that he probably won't fully appreciate his career and what he has achieved until a couple of years down the line, and added: "I have had a fantastic career and probably in another couple of year's time I will realise the length, size and everything that goes with it. "But what I can say is I have had four happy years at Hull and it has been the best club I have played for, supporter wise and the way the club have looked after me. "People might not realise I only came for two years but loved it so much I decided to stay another two years. "It is regrettable it has had to end this way but I do know I have given the club everything in the four years I have been here. "We've enjoyed some success and obviously the Challenge Cup win in 2005 and our Grand Final appearance last season will go down as two of the biggest heights of my career." Coach Peter Sharp revealed: "This is a massive blow for us but also a tragic shame Richard has to finish what has been a sensational career this way. "He is an outstanding player, a fantastic professional and it has been a privilege and honour to have coached him. "Richard has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow players and coaches on both sides of the rugby league world and he has done that through his total commitment to the game. "Throughout he has set high standards and he has worked relentlessly to ensure he maintained those standards. He has always been prepared to spend time and help and advise younger players in the squad and he has set them a fabulous example. "If any youngster followed the Swain way then they won't go far wrong in their quest to become a star, which he most certainly was." Swain's rehab looked to be going well and it was hoped he would make a return this weekend or next. A reaction in training ditched those hopes and has reluctantly forced him to make this stunning decision to retire now instead of waiting until the end of the season when he was scheduled to retire. It is a massive blow to Hull, especially as understudy Wayne Godwin is out for six weeks with a broken bone in his foot, which leaves Sharp without an experienced replacement in this pivotal position, but as he said: "That is something we have to cope with and it does give someone an opportunity to step up and make a name for themselves." During his glittering career, which also includes a Grand Final appearance in Australia, Swain has earned the respect and admiration of players in both the Super League and NRL and he has been regarded as one of the most professional players of the modern era. The Kiwi continually set new and high standards for himself and those around him, and Hull chief executive James Rule said: "Richard epitomised professionalism in the way he prepared for games, trained and conducted himself both on and off the field. "I cannot recall any better role model and ambassador for Hull FC. "Players and people like Richard are very special, possibly unique in many respects, and we at Hull FC wish him and his family all the best for the future. "He will be missed but certainly not forgotten and I am sure he will rank amongst some of the clubs all-time greats, a position he thoroughly deserves." SWAIN STATS: DOB: July 2, 1975 Height: 5ft 9in Weight: 86 kilos (13st 8lb) Position: Hooker Born: New Zealand Previous clubs: Hunters Mariners, Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos/ Representative: New Zealand - Debut 1999, Tests 19, Points 40 Joined Hull in 2004, debut February 20, 2004 Appearances 94, tries 5, goals 0, drop-goals 0, points 20 News sent by: www.hullfc.com
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