He knew it was time to move on and he found a home rather quickly, with Australian prop Rhys Lovegrove signing with recently relegated Super League side, the London Broncos.
After gaining a release from the final year of his contract on compassionate grounds, Lovegrove’s move means that he is closer to family in the nation’s capital.
For Lovegrove, the move has two advantages. He gets to assist London’s fight back into the English top flight and help to develop rugby league in the nation’s capital.
“Joining the Broncos is a great move on and off the field,” said Lovegrove.
“On the field, I am excited by the new challenge of helping the Broncos regain Super League status, while continuing to promote and develop rugby league in the capital city. Head coach Joe Grima sold the club superbly with his ambitious and inspirational attitude.”
Lovegrove enjoyed a long stint with Hull KR and is grateful for the family support he has received regarding the move.
“Off the field, my partner Libby has been extremely supportive during my eight years at Hull KR and we now look forward to fostering relationships with her family and friends in the London area,” said Lovegrove.
For the St George Illawarra Dragons fans, his name may ring a bell, with Lovegrove a Dragons junior and a former Australian schoolboy.
Broncos head coach Joey Grima is excited to have signed the veteran prop.
“Rhys is another great addition to our squad for 2015 and again shows the calibre of player we are attracting with our vision for the club moving forward,” said Grima.
“We’ll welcome Rhys to the club for pre-season training in November as a mature and experienced player who will work well with our younger players to help develop them whilst also concentrating on his game.”