YORK City Knights' veteran winger, Tommy Saxton, has officially retired from pro rugby league.

The 34-year-old former Super League star announced his decision via social media, saying last night's training session at Haxby Road was his last.

It brings the curtain down on a 16-year playing career, which began in 2002 as a teenager with Castleford, included Challenge Cup glory with Hull in 2005, and continued with six trophy-laden seasons in the Championship with Featherstone.

In total he played 355 pro games for seven different clubs, scoring 124 tries and one drop goal.

Saxton said: "Last night was my last session as a York player. I've decided to call it a day and retire from the game.

"I've made some great friends and memories along the way and in the 16-plus years I'd like to think I've had a decent career.

"I would like to thank my family for all their support and everybody at Cas, Hull, Salford, Wakefield, Featherstone, Halifax and York.

"Life goes on and now it's time for the next chapter in my life with Lucy and planning our wedding. Cheers."

Saxton had been close to retirement at the end of last season but, upon deciding to continue, he won a new contract at York after a trial. He has made only two appearances this term, though, not helped by a niggling groin problem.

He joined the Knights, initially on loan from Halifax, in May 2016. He played 13 times for the team that season and 14 last year, at times hampered by injury. He bagged five tries in all.

York head coach James Ford said: "He's had a really good career. He came through the Castleford academy at a similar time I was at Featherstone and you could always tell he had ability.

"He got into the first team while still at college, and he then went to Hull and won the Challenge Cup, which I'm sure is one of a number of highlights.

"He's given a lot of supporters real enjoyment. He always gives everything he's got when on the field and players respect him for that and I'm sure supporters do too.

"He's a character off the field too," Ford added. "That can challenge the coach but it makes him a firm favourite with the playing groups.

"I'm really proud to have coached Tommy. He's had some cracking games for York and I'm sure the fans will remember him fondly. It won't be a decision he's taken lightly.

"He's had issues with his groin and that's probably influenced his decision. I respect his decision and wish him all the best.

"He's a good friend and hopefully that will stay that way."

Asked if Saxton's departure means the Knights will need another winger as soon as possible, Ford said: "We've always been looking for additional players to supplement our squad and I suppose it does."

Pontefract-born Saxton first signed for Cas in 2000. He played 51 times at wing or centre, scoring 11 tries, in his first spell at Wheldon Road, before joining Hull in 2005, being a substitute in the dramatic 25-24 Cup final win over Leeds in which former Knights protege Danny Brough kicked the winning points.

After four tries in 29 appearances, and a 15-match loan spell at Wakefield, including two tries, he returned to Cas in 2007, notching 11 tries in 18 games. He also had a five-match loan stint with Salford.

He joined Featherstone in 2008 and went on to score 70 tries in 162 appearances, helping Rovers to the Championship leaders' shield in four consecutive season from 2010 to 2013, albeit winning the grand final only once, in 2011.

He made a 2014 loan move to Halifax permanent, and scored 21 tries in 48 games for the club, before switching to York.