FORMER Bulls and Cougars forward Richard Moore has been forced to retire with immediate effect due to a serious head injury.

The Keighley-born prop, aged 38, whose 18-season career began at Bradford in 2001 and included spells with Leeds Rhinos, London Broncos, Leigh, Wakefield, Crusaders, Halifax and Featherstone, joined Hunslet for a third time ahead of the 2019 season but sustained a head injury in the opening League One game at Doncaster.

A Hunslet spokesman said the player was advised he would need to undergo surgery and would no longer be able to play rugby league.

Hunslet director of rugby Darren Williams said: "To lose Richie so early into his return to the club is a huge blow.

"The club will work with RL Cares to support Richie through this setback."

Moore, who had a loan spell at Cougars in 2002, said: "Unfortunately my career has come to an end. I'm deeply sorry that I couldn't fulfil my contract with Hunslet.

"I would just like to personally thank the club for all of their help following my injury and thank the fans for all of their support whenever I have been there."

Moore's announcement comes days after winger/full back Vinny Finigan - who also began his career at Bulls and went on to play for Cougars - has also hung his boots up.

Finigan, who also had spells at Sheffield Eagles, Batley and Hunslet, played for London Skolars last season.