Full back Preece announces retirement

Preece has spent the last few seasons at Batley Bulldogs having signed from Dewsbury Rams but he has taken the decision to end his playing career after almost a decade in the professional game.

Preece became renowned for his fearless approach to the game and he has been a great servant to the Batley and Dewsbury clubs.

The 29-year-old has received a promotion at work and has a young family and decided he could no longer dedicate the necessary time to continue at Championship level.

Bulldogs coach John Kear paid tribute to Preece, saying: “Ian is a really talented full-back and a very mature kid but his life circumstances have changed and he wanted to bow out on a high.

“Ian has contributed greatly to us and is a high quality Championship player.”