NEWS | Matt James goes out on a high

Matt James has called time on his career after clinching promotion to the Betfred Championship with the Dons.

The forward initially retired in 2021 after making more than 260 career appearances but returned to the game for one last hurrah with the Dons and played a pivotal role on and off the field in the successful promotion push.

After bowing out on a high, the 36-year-old admitted he is delighted he made the decision to return for one more season.

"I feel like I jumped at retirement too early after calling time on my career in 2021," he said. "I thought I was ready but something told me I still had something to give and as the old saying goes you’re a long time retired.

"I had only made this decision around play-offs time. I felt I had a great beginning and middle of the season but towards the back end my body was giving up on me a bit and I wasn’t able to give as much to the team.

"But it definitely made me want to go out with a bang and gladly I did that with the promotion.

"I'm going to enjoy never doing another pre-season and maybe being able to get out of bed without wincing sometime soon. 

"And possibly I'll venture back into rugby at some point but who knows."

James started his career at Bradford Bulls and featured for Barrow Raiders, Featherstone Rovers and Sheffield Eagles before landing at the Eco-Power Stadium.

He said: "My career highlights, I feel like people always speak about trophies or personal accolades, but it’s always been the journey for me.

"I’ve met some friends for life and this last year at Doncaster has been one of the best groups I’ve been a part of. To help earn promotion is a great feeling and I’m glad I decided to have one last year."  

Dons head coach Richard Horne led the expressions of gratitude towards James. He said: "We knew what we were getting bringing Matt in - an experienced, strong and powerful prop that could gain metres as well as help strengthen us defensively.

"Matt has been fantastic for us this season and we all wish him the very best in his retirement." 

All at the Dons wish to congratulate Matt on a wonderful career and wish him all the best for the future.