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Rugby League

Bulls prop Vagana to quit rugby

21/08/2008

Bradford Bulls prop Joe Vagana has announced his decision to retire from rugby league at the end of the 2008 Super League season.

The 33-year-old New Zealander, who joined Bradford from Auckland Warriors in 2001, has made 239 appearances for the club in his eight-year career - scoring 19 tries and one goal.

Vagana is a popular character around Odsal and said it would be difficult to leave the only European club he has ever played for.

"For a player it's always hard to say when but I think the time is right for me now to make the ultimate decision," he said.

"I have been at Bradford for eight years and a professional for fifteen and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it but the old body is telling me to give it away.

"We have some great players coming through here; players like Sam Burgess, Andy Lynch and Koppy [Craig Kopczak] and I just feel the time is right to hang up my boots and enjoy the game from the sidelines."

Bulls coach Steve McNamara claimed that, along with countryman and club legend Robbie Paul, Vagana is "the most significant overseas signing the club has ever made".

"In terms of overall contributions to the club both on and off the field, his presence is simply immense and there will be a whole host of players who will be glad to see the back of Joe Vagana, so they don't have to play against him," McNamara continued.

"He will be a great loss to the club on the field and also off it because of the sheer amount of work he has done for the club in that area.

"It goes without saying that we all wish him every success in whichever avenue he decides to take."

Vagana's final home match of his Bulls career will be the bank holiday Monday clash against Hull KR next week.