Lance Hohaia announces abrupt retirement from rugby league

St Helens back Lance Hohaia has retired from rugby league with immediate effect, the club have announced.

The experienced New Zealander had played in eight of Saints' 12 Super League games this term as the reigning champions have enjoyed a fine start to the campaign which leaves them top of the table.

Hohaia was in the the headlines in October last year when he was knocked out by a vicious punch from Wigan Warriors' Ben Flower in the Grand Final - an act which earned the Welshman a six-month ban.

Confirmation of Hohaia's departure from the sport comes less than a fortnight after Flower's return to action.

A Saints statement read: "Lance has been a valued and integral member of the squad for the last three and a half years and we thank him for his service.

"We wish him and his family well in their life after rugby league with St Helens."