KEVIN Sinfield will end his brief spell in rugby union with no regrets – but accepts it is simply time to hang up the boots.

The former Leeds and England rugby league captain, who turns 36 in September, switched codes with the Rhinos' sister club Yorkshire Carnegie last November and had another 12 months left on his contract.

However, Sinfield announced at a press conference at Headingley yesterday his decision to cut short his stay in the 15-man code and retire for good at the end of the Greene King IPA Championship promotion play-offs in May.

"I'm really pleased I went and had a bash at rugby union," he said. "Bryan (Redpath) and all the players have been fantastic and I really enjoyed the challenge.

"It was originally an 18-month deal but, having done 18 months of rugby straight, I feel now is right time to step back and I think it's worth saying that next four weeks could be really special – we've got a big game this weekend and after this my focus is on the game on Sunday.

"It was a huge temptation to stay on and anyone who's had to make this decision to retire from professional sport will know it's a difficult one.

"There's a lot of ifs, buts and maybes and I hope I can walk away from Carnegie knowing we've done a great job and we get promotion.

"I'd rather go too early and it be on my terms than stay on and play too long. I've been fortunate to play for 20 years and it's something I feel very lucky about. To finish the game healthy – touch wood – means there's things I want to achieve outside of rugby."