Bradford Bulls star Abi Ekoku is to retire from rugby league in a bid to fulfil his ambition of winning an Olympic gold medal.

The 32-year-old has told coach Matthew Elliott that this season will be his last and Sunday's clash with Salford Reds is set to be his final home game for the Odsal side.

Ekoku competed in both the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships as a discus thrower before switching to rugby league in 1993.

He was quickly snapped up by London Crusaders and has since enjoyed a successful career in the game. And he says the decision to retire has been one of the hardest of his life..

Ekoku said: "When I first played rugby league I only intended playing for 18 months while an injury which prevented me from throwing cleared up.

"But I went on to love the game and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have achieved so much in the game, but when you have an ambition then you must try and achieve it before it is too late.

"I want to go to the Olympics in Sydney and stand up on that winner's rostrum after competing in the finals of the discus. I don't care whether it is gold, silver or bronze.

"This ambition has been burning inside me for six years. I would not stop playing rugby league and give up the security of a contract if I did not think I could do it."

Ekoku competed in the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, but could not force his way into the final and this is something he clearly wants to redress.

Ekoku, whose brother is Wimbledon soccer star Efan, started his career with London before moving on to Halifax and then Bradford.

He is the proud owner of a Super League championship medal, as well as appearing in a Challenge Cup final with the Bulls.

In recent weeks he has put in some sterling performances and was the Bulls' player of the match in last weekend's 38-4 defeat at Wigan.

He said: "I told Matthew Elliott of my decision six months ago and he has been very supportive. He understands that when you have a burning ambition that you must give it your best shot.

"Who knows? Maybe I will really miss playing the game and want to come back after a year. I just don't know.

"But I need to get my preparations right and I think two years is the correct amount of time. I will give my body a full rest to get rid of any niggling injuries and then I think it will take me about a year to get my technique just right.

"I have had a marvellous career in rugby league. A lot of people were sceptical when I took up the game, but I have enjoyed it all."

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