PETER FOX, the last York-born rugby league player to win England honours, has officially hung up his boots.

The former York City Knights record breaker and Super League star - whose career began as a junior with York Acorn ARLC and went on to hit heights with the national team, including scoring twice against then world champions New Zealand in the 2009 Four Nations - announced his retirement on social media.

Having returned to the part-time arena in mid-2014, the winger has spent the last two seasons at York's League One rivals, Newcastle Thunder, but he only managed 10 appearances this year, bagging no tries.

In announcing his retirement, Fox, who turns 33 next week, thanked the stellar names that helped him in his career, as well as his family, including his late granddad, Pete Warters, a stalwart of the rugby league scene in the Minster city.

Fox wrote: "It's impossible to put all the feelings and experiences into words for the last 21 years of my rugby career.

"I really wish I could name everyone that's been a part of my journey but the list would be too long.

"I start with my dad, mum, nan and granddad for taking me to the Acorn at 12 years old and supporting me all my career - I couldn't have done it without them.

"I would like to thank all the staff, coaches, fans, owners and sponsors - at Acorn, Leeds Rhinos, York City Knights, Wakefield, England, Hull KR, Halifax, Doncaster and Newcastle.

"I have shared some amazing experience which I will never forget.

"There are so many people who have had a positive impact but in particular I would like to thank Mick Cook (then coach), Colin Sanctuary (then conditioner) and Daryl Powell (then coaching consultant) for believing in me at York Knights.

"Also John Kear at Wakefield for giving me my Super League debut in 2007. Then in 2008-2011 Justin Morgan, Andrew Webster and Billy Mallinson (at Hull KR) for the peak of my career, and 2012-2014 Richard Agar and Martin Clawson (at Wakefield) for my last three years in Super League.

"Also Tony Smith for giving me one of the best feelings of my life - an England cap."

Fox first made his name with the Knights in 2005 on loan from Leeds, scoring a club record 25 tries in a season as Cook’s team stormed to the National League Two (League One) title.

After bagging another 15 in 19 appearances in National League One (Championship) the following year - being named in the NL1 Team of the Year, despite the club being relegated - he went on to spend eight seasons in Super League with Wakefield (twice) and Hull KR and won six England caps in 2008-09, scoring seven tries.

In total he scored 40 tries in 45 appearances for his home-town club (2005-06), 45 in 96 at Wakefield (2007, 2012-14), 56 in 104 for Hull KR (2008-11), two in 10 for Halifax (2014), 11 in 21 for Doncaster (2015), and 17 in 32 for Newcastle (2016-17).

Fox added: "When I was an amateur at 16 I set a goal to play Super League and for England against Australia, which I am proud to say I accomplished.

"If it wasn't for everyone who helped me along the way it wouldn't have been possible and I'm forever grateful.

"My career in rugby league has taught me the best life lesson - to dream, believe in yourself and never give up because anything is possible. I will now enjoying being a rugby league fan."