Two of Whitehaven’s senior players will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Jason Mossop and Kris Coward, who have played for Haven after sterling service to neighbours Workington Town, are set to say their farewells at the final home game on Sunday.
Jason has been a fantastic servant, not only to Whitehaven and Town, but also to the game in general and leaves with Haven’s utmost thanks for the past three years.
He is moving on due to family commitments as he has recently moved away from the area.
Head coach Gary Charlton, who is moving to the role of director of rugby, explained Mossop’s decision.
“We are really sorry to see Jason leave us, but we totally understand his reasons for this, as travelling from Yorkshire will always be a burden, especially with a young family.
“Jason has always been the ultimate professional, giving 110 per cent and never letting me or the club down. He is a top bloke and I wish him and his family all the very best.”
Front rower Coward is another stalwart of the area who is leaving the club. Not only has he been a massive hit with both West Cumbrian clubs’ fans but he is another who is the type of character that every club needs in the changing rooms.
On his departure Charlton said: “I have coached Kris for around half of his pro career, and he has been an absolute pleasure to coach and be around.
“A tough prop with great go-forward he never once let me down and has also been a great lad off the pitch too.”
The club also says it has been overwhelmed with the positive response it has received this week surrounding Jesse Joe Parker and the coaching changes for the 2022 season.
A club spokesman said: “Much has already been said regarding Jesse Joe Parker playing his last season at the club and we sincerely hope that the fans get behind his testimonial, beginning with a bucket collection at this week’s game and his launch night next Friday.”
Director Ashley Kilpatrick praised the contributions made by all three departing players.
He said: “Both Jason and Kris always caused problems when they played for Workington but when they’ve both come to the club they have been the ultimate professionals and we wish both of them well.
“Jessie has been superb for the last eight years and fully deserves his testimonial season.”
Two more from this season’s squad who are leaving the club are Sean Croston and Oscar Thomas.
Assistant coach Jonty Gorley, who steps up to the main coaching role next season, said: “Both of these lads have come into the squad this year and provided us with options that helped enable us to perform to the standard we have done. We wish oth lads the best of luck in their future careers.”
The club has also thanked players who have already departed, for their contribution to the club. Three of them were with the club during the 2019 League One title winning season – Ethan Kelly(now at North Wales), Brett Phillips (now retired) and Sam Dowsett (now at Barrow).
James Worthington and Dean Zammit have also departed for pastures new, while Haven have also had a couple of loan players who have contributed well to this season in Aiden Roden and Ronan Michael.
The club thanked them all for their efforts this season and wished them the very best of luck going forward.
