Lee Birch admits he is extremely proud to be the latest player to pull on the Hull RUFC shirt for the 100th time in competitive games.
Birch is the club’s 31st Centurion and reached his milestone in style scoring his first try of the season in the 33-20 home win against Loughborough Students a fortnight ago.
The versatile back admits he almost didn’t get to 100 before of retirement, but the lure of reaching three figures – and KFC Thursdays – saw him back in the team.
“Obviously I’m very proud to be Hull’s latest ‘Centurion’ joining the four lads in the team already at this milestone and club legends such as Tim Price and Tamati Tanamui,” Birch joked.
“I was very close to not reaching 100 games as I did attempt to retire at the end of last season.
“As most rugby players who ‘retire’, Saturdays just weren’t the same and soon enough I was back training and in the mix.
“There was several factors to my return. The lure of reaching 100 games but mainly I missed ‘KFC Thursdays.
“Fortunately I got back into the team and marked my 100th with my first try of the season which made it that little bit sweeter.
“The team has gone from strength to strength since my return which some will see as a coincidence, but contrary to belief, the enthusiasm and energy I bring to the team must have had some input.
“In all seriousness it’s a badge I wear with pride.
“The club has taken me in and I’ve enjoyed every minute of playing.
“It’s not my club. It’s not your club. It’s ‘our club’.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 