Joe Vagana's last game at Odsal will be on Bank Holiday Monday

Bradford Bulls prop Joe Vagana is to retire at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old Kiwi, who joined the Bulls in 2001 from Auckland Warriors, has made 239 appearances, scoring 19 tries, in eight seasons at Odsal.

Bulls coach Steve McNamara said: "Joe has probably been up there with Robbie Paul as the most significant overseas signing the club has ever made."

The August Bank Holiday Monday game against Hull KR will be Vagana's last at the Grattan Stadium.

Vagana said: "For a player it's always hard to say when but I think the time is right for me now to make the ultimate decision.

"I've been at Bradford for eight years and a professional for 15. And I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it but the old body is telling me to give it away.

"We have some great players coming through here, players like Sam Burgess, Andy Lynch and Craig Kopczak and I just feel the time is right to hang up my boots and enjoy the game from the sidelines."

there will be a whole host of players who will be glad to see the back of Joe Vagana, so they don't have to play against him Steve McNamara

McNamara added: "He will be a great loss to the club on the field and also off it because of sheer amount of work he has done for the club in that area.

"He has been a tremendous ambassador for Rugby League and for Bradford Bulls and for me personally � getting my first Head Coach's job � he has been a vital part of what I have done.

"To have had Joe Vagana in the organisation to help me along the way has been a massive bonus for me and I'd like to thank him personally for that. It goes without saying that we all wish him every success in whichever avenue he decides to take.

"In terms of overall contributions to the club both on and off the field, his presence is simply immense and there will be a whole host of players who will be glad to see the back of Joe Vagana, so they don't have to play against him."