Cronulla Sharks winger Beau Ryan announced his retirement from rugby league live on The Footy Show last night to take up a full-time position with the Nine Network.
With a recurring neck injury, the popular Footy Show star decided now was the right time to finish his professional football career after eight years to focus on his family and television duties, rather than risking permanent and irreversible injury by playing on.
“I was sad to make the decision to retire from football as it’s a game I love so much and has given me so many opportunities. I would love to play rugby league forever, but with the seriousness of my injury and the risk of further injury I have decided to put my family first and retire immediately ,” Ryan said. “At the same time, I am excited to still be involved in the rugby league community and thrilled to be part of the special Channel Nine family.”
Nine Entertainment Co. CEO, David Gyngell, said: “It’s a case of one door closing and another opening wider. Beau has been a terrific player and a great team man, and coupled with his unique humour and sheer on-air talent they’re the very qualities which have made him such a success on the Footy Show.
“It’s upwards and onwards from here, and we’re thrilled to have him on board full time at Nine.”
Footy Show Executive Producer, Glenn Pallister, said: “Beau is an integral part of the fabric of what The Footy Show has become. His humour and warmth appeals to kids, women and men of all ages, and his infectious energy and razor-sharp wit makes him one of the most exciting footy players to ever step into the media. Above all that, he’s a sensational bloke.
The Footy Show airs 9:30 PM Thursdays on Nine.
