YORK City Knights prop forward James Green will retire at the end of the 2021 season.

Green announced the news on social media and it brings to an end a 10-year career in professional rugby league.

The 30-year-old explained his struggles at balancing his own business and playing part-time with the Knights.

The Beverley-born forward started his career at hometown club Hull Kingston Rovers and made 81 appearances for the club, including featuring in the club's run to the 2015 Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Green joined Leigh Centurions in 2017 and, after spells at Sheffield Eagles, Castleford Tigers, Halifax Panthers and Bradford Bulls, he joined York ahead of the 2020 season.

In his debut season, which was later cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic, Green played five times for the Knights and he has so far made 13 appearances in 2021.

Green said on social media: “I have decided to retire at the end of the current season.

“Since starting my own business, I have struggled to commit to both my business and rugby. So the time has come to walk away from rugby to fully focus on my business.

“I’ve been privileged enough to make a living out of rugby league for 10 years now.

“I’ve accomplished more than I ever thought I would when I started as a 16-year-old at Hull KR.

“I’ve made some lifelong friends, experienced things I never thought I would and RL (rugby league) has shaped me into the person I am today.

“But now is the time to focus on life after rugby and by walking away at the end of the season I feel I can take my business to the next level.

“Thank you to everyone I’ve shared this amazing journey with along the way.

“Thank you to my amazing wife and family for being there through the bad times and the good."