Legendary Hull FC Hooker Danny Houghton to Retire in 2024
Hull, 28 February 2023 – Veteran Hull FC hooker Danny Houghton has announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of the 2024 season, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career with his boyhood club.
Set to turn 36 next month, Houghton has spent his entire professional career with Hull FC, making an astounding 449 appearances across all competitions since making his senior debut in July 2007. The loyal club servant never departed the MKM Stadium, not even on loan or dual-registration, with the only other shirt he has donned being that of the England Knights.
Houghton made his bow for the Knights in October 2011 against France, going on to earn two further caps for the side 12 months later, featuring against both Ireland and Scotland.
Over the course of his illustrious tenure with the Airlie Birds, the legendary hooker has etched his name in the club’s history books, achieving several memorable career highlights that have firmly cemented his status as a Hull FC icon. These include:
- Making his senior debut for his boyhood club in 2007
- Being crowned Super League’s Top Tackler on multiple occasions (2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022)
- Serving as Hull FC’s captain from 2018 to 2021, and regaining the armband in 2023
- Being named in the Super League Dream Team in 2016
- Becoming Hull FC’s leading living appearance maker in 2022, surpassing Brian Hancock
- Making history as the club’s first-ever winner of the prestigious Man of Steel award in 2016
- Playing a pivotal role in Hull’s back-to-back Challenge Cup triumphs in 2016 and 2017
With four games remaining before he hangs up his boots, Houghton will be looking to add to his incredible tally of 449 appearances for the Black and Whites, potentially moving up to third on the club’s all-time appearance makers list.
“The rugby league community will undoubtedly miss the sight of Houghton’s relentless tackling and unwavering leadership on the field when he finally calls time on his illustrious career at the end of the 2024 season.”
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