SAINTS prop forward Darren Britt has retired from the game on medical grounds, as predicted in last week's Guardian.

A face injury sustained by the former Australian Test star, during the opening minute of the game against Hull FC a fortnight ago, has forced him to announce his retirement.

A clash of heads in the second tackle of the match resulted in fractures to Britt's eye-socket, cheekbone and jaw. He was due to have reconstructive surgery this week.

Britt will remain with the club until November as part of Ian Millward's coaching team.

Speaking on the decision Britt said: "I've had injuries before but I always knew I'd play again another day - but now there is no other day.

"I wanted to savour going. To go into my last game knowing it was going to be my last and be able to savour the moment.

"But to play 50 seconds and now have to look back on that and think 'well ... that was my last game' is a huge disappointment."

Commenting on the announcement, Saints coach Ian Millward said: "It's one of the sad things in sport when a person sustains an injury that finishes their career. And unfortunately that is exactly what has happened with Darren Britt, it's a huge loss to us.

"People have said to us this year 'whenever Darren Britt plays for you - you win' and what we've got to do - with the announcement of his retirement - is to deal with life after him sooner rather than later.

"From a fan's point of view maybe they just look for the stars but from a coach's or player's point of view the star is always a person like Darren Britt."