Jake Moore is to leave Whitehaven and is returning to the community game with his former amateur club Wath Brow Hornets.
The Championship club today announced that 25-year-old, who can operate in the second row or centre, is to end his third spell at the LEL Arena.
After starting his rugby career with Wath Brow, Jake went through the junior ranks at Wigan and represented England Academy before moving back home to Cumbria in 2017.
Since then he has enjoyed spells with both Whitehaven and Workington while working full-time as a scaffolder.
He enjoyed his best season to date in 2019 with Whitehaven, scoring 11 tries and kicking 51 goals in 15 games.
Moore quickly became one of the standout forwards in League 1, and he was included in the Team of the Year after Whitehaven’s promotion season.
He had been looking forward to sampling full time rugby in Canada after being signed by Ottawa but that particular venture was scrapped and he continued to ply his trade in Cumbria.
Although he didn’t make a first-team appearance for Super League side Wigan, he has gained valuable experience in the Championship and League 1 over the last four seasons.
Speaking to Cumbria Crack, Moore said: “Basically I wasn’t getting much game time so I decided to move and head back to the amateur game at Wath Brow.
“I enjoyed my time at Whitehaven and wish them all the best heading into the final part of the season.”
He has played six games in 2022 scoring one try and six goals and over has made 29 appearances in Haven colours across his time in the Chocolate, Blue and Gold scoring 12 tries and 60 goals.
Head coach Jonty Gorley said: “Jake has decided to end his time with Whitehaven with immediate effect after thinking hard about his decision and we’ve had a few conversations recently regarding his future.
“Jake won’t mind me saying that he hasn’t been 100 per cent into his rugby recently and I won’t stand in anyone’s way if they want to leave the club.
“I like Jake, he’s a great lad, who had had some good times here and who I’ve known a long time and I want him to do what’s best for Jake Moore. I wish Jake all the best in whatever avenue he takes.”
Director Ashley Kilpatrick added: “I’m disappointed it hasn’t worked out for Jake coming back to Whitehaven and he hasn’t had as much game time as everyone would have liked. In Jake’s appearances for us this year he showed that he still has the quality to be a Championship player.
“Jake’s a great lad off the field and he’s good to have around your squad and a good player on the field also.
“We thank Jake for his time, commitment and effort this season. He goes with the best wishes of everyone connected to Whitehaven RLFC and we hope this isn’t the last time we see Jake pulling on the chocolate blue and gold at the LEL arena.
“On a personal note I’d like to wish Jake all the best as I’ve gotten to know him really well over this past couple of years. He’s a great lad and I hope he still comes down to the LEL to watch the lads along with his mam Lisa, dad Jonty, sister Evie and partner Briony.”
