FORMER Bulls star James Green has announced his retirement from rugby league at the age of just 30.

He currently plays for Bradford’s Championship rivals York City Knights, and will hang up his boots at the end of the season.

It is not an injury which has prompted Green’s decision though, as he is instead choosing to focus solely on his business.

The prop, who made 29 appearances for Bulls in 2018 and 2019, scoring three tries, said on Twitter: “Since starting my own business, I have struggled to commit to both that and rugby.

“So the time has come to walk away from rugby to focus fully on my business.

“I’ve been privileged enough to make a living out of rugby league for 10 years now.

“I’ve accomplished more than I ever thought I would when I started as a 16-year-old at Hull KR.

“I’ve made some lifelong friends, experienced things I never thought I would and rugby league has shaped me into the person I am today.

“Thank you to everyone I’ve shared this amazing journey with along the way.

“Thank you to my amazing wife and family for being there through the bad times and the good.”

Meanwhile, ex-Bulls half Luke Gale has been stripped of the Leeds Rhinos captaincy.

The 33-year-old was left out of last Friday’s game against Salford and the club say he has been “stood down” as captain “for behaviours not aligned to team trademarks”.

In a statement, Gale said: “I would like to apologise to everyone connected to the club for my behaviour, which fell below the standards expected of our team.

“I will be making sure I give my absolute best every day to help the team achieve our goal this season.”