The 36-year-old former Bulls chief executive said: “I have ligament damage in my left shoulder and I could not lift that arm above head height just before Christmas.

“I know I won’t be able to play again this season and I have decided to hang up my boots.”

Duckett previously played union for West Park Bramhope, Otley (two spells), Cleckheaton and, this season, for Ilkley.

Having beaten Huddersfield 20-15 last Saturday in one of only four matches played in SSE National League Two North, Otley are in action again on Saturday.

They host Bradford & Bingley in the annual Granville Clark Memorial Trophy match (2.00).

Duckett said: “We will be using a mixture of first teamers and lads from the Saracens who deserve an opportunity.

“Among the first-team squad who will be playing are flanker Daniel Temm, fly half Ben Cooper and second row Jon Stannard.

“Simon Raper, who has been playing well for the seconds, and William Rigg, who was on the bench for the first team last week, will also feature.

“There was a good crowd at Bradford & Bingley for this match last season and we are hoping for the same this weekend – especially as there are not a lot of counter-attractions and because people want to remember Granville.”

Bradford & Bingley, who play a division lower than Otley, are treating the match in a similar vein to the hosts by mixing and matching their players.

The Bees’ first-team manager Benji Pickin said: “We haven’t finalised our line-up yet but it should feature second row Richard Hughes, who injured ankle ligaments against Rossendale earlier this season.

“We should be strong in the forwards and we are treating the match as preparation for two important league games against Burnage (away on January 5), who are one place and three points behind us, and Kendal (home on January 12), who are bottom, bearing in mind that we have already had a week off.”

Granville Clark, a popular player for both Otley and Bradford & Bingley, died from a brain tumour on October 3, 1993 aged just 37.

Entrance to the game is £5 for adults and £3 for concessions but is free to season ticket-holders and under-16s.

There will be a pre-match lunch of cottage pie, Christmas cake, cheese and biscuits and coffee in the club dining room at 12.30pm at £12 per head.

Anyone interested should put their name up on the list in the clubhouse or ring Charley Ness on 07966-882498.

Bill Marshall

Article courtesy of the Telegraph and Argus