Melbourne Storm forward Christian Welch has today announced his retirement from rugby league with immediate effect.
Welch confirmed at a press conference with Storm CEO Justin Rodski that he has been medically retired due to an ongoing debilitating back injury.
The former Storm Captain and 2020 Premiership player retires from rugby league with a 75% winning percentage from his 163 Storm appearances. The prop also represented the Queensland Maroons on six occasions, making his State of Origin debut in 2019.
“I’ve got so many people to thank, starting with my family and partner Maddi. Their constant love and support has been instrumental over my rugby league journey, riding the highs and lows of the game. Without all their sacrifices there’s no chance I’d be an NRL player,” Welch said.
“The game has given me so much but it’s also been tough at times. To everyone who has helped develop me, not just on the field but as a human, thank you.
“To everyone at the Storm, what an amazing place to be a part of. Special mention to our medical team who have helped this broken body through a decade of NRL. To all my teammates, staff members and owners, it’s been so much fun.
“Last but not least, to the amazing purple army, thank you for always turning out and getting behind us. Playing in front of you at AAMI Park will always be my favourite memory.”
A product of Villanova College and Brisbane Tigers, Welch started his Storm career at U20 level, making his way through the Club pathway to captain the club’s U20 Thunderbolts.
His impressive form led to Welch’s promotion to the NRL squad, making his Storm debut against the Parramatta Eels in Round 9, 2015.
“It’s been a privilege coaching Welchy for over a decade, watching him develop both on and off the field,” said Head Coach Craig Bellamy.
“We’re proud of everything he has achieved throughout his Storm career, he will always be a one club player, a Premiership player and a huge contributor to our club and the game of rugby league.”
After playing in the 2016 and 2018 NRL Grand Final, Welch was rewarded with Premiership success in 2020, starting in the front-row for the 26-20 victory over the Penrith Panthers.
His long-standing effort was rewarded with promotion to Co-Captain alongside Jesse Bromwich in 2022, before becoming sole Club Captain in 2023.
Despite several injury setbacks, including a season-ending achillies injury in 2022, Welch returned to play 25 games the following season, before adding a further 20 appearances in 2024.
“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Welchy, a tremendous person, teammate and Storm leader, who is loved and adored by our members and fans,” said CEO Justin Rodski.
“A Premiership player, former Club Captain and State of Origin representative, Welchy has left his mark in the Storm jersey and should be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved in our game.
“I think I speak for everyone, when I congratulate Welchy on his outstanding career and wish him and his family every success for the future. He will always be a life member of our Club and Storm player #167.”
Christian Welch
163 Melbourne Storm appearances
Melbourne Storm Captain (2022 and 2023)
Melbourne Storm Life Member (Inducted 2024)
6 State of Origin appearances (Queensland Maroons)
2021-2023 RLPA Player Director
2020 NRL Premiership Player
2018 World Club Challenge Winner
2018 NRL Grand Finalist
2016 NRL Grand Finalist
