Barrow Raiders forward Carl Forster has left the club to take up a player-coach role with North Wales Crusaders.
Forster has been named Crusaders head coach, replacing the outgoing Anthony Murray, who has taken over at Workington Town. He will combine the role with his on-field duties for the Betfred League 1 club.
During his time in Cumbria, Forster made 43 Raiders appearances, scoring six tries.
He helped the club secure promotion from League 1 in 2021 and featured 21 times last season as the Raiders secured a play-off spot on their return to the Betfred Championship.
On his decision to leave, Forster said: “I’m really excited. Coaching is something I’m really passionate about and it’s probably taken over the playing side for me.
“To get the chance to coach again is something I really appreciate, and I will put everything into it.
“Saying that, this club will always have a hold on me as I can honestly say my last three years have been by far the most enjoyable I’ve experienced in a professional environment.
“The group of players are the best bunch I’ve been involved in and obviously the fans too, they’re a credit to the club, week in week out.
“Andy Gaffney, Steve Neale, Cresta and all the backroom staff have always been good to me, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Barrow Raiders chairman Steve Neale said: “We were approached by Carl, asking for permission to talk to North Wales as it has always been his ambition to get back into coaching.
“We granted the permission as we are not a club that wants to stand in the way of a player’s personal ambition.
“It was made a little easier with the news that Carl’s recovery from his shoulder operation meant he may miss a chunk of the start of the season, and the fact that we have recruited so well in his position.
“We wish Carl all the best for the future. He has been a fantastic servant to the club, playing a pivotal part in our 2021 promotion season and then again in establishing ourselves in the Championship.
“He really has been a stand-out performer and a great character to have around the dressing room, always being totally professional in his conduct.
“We hope that North Wales can benefit from his knowledge, and you never know that maybe one day we could have an opportunity for him to return in a coaching capacity. Never say never.”
Forster cut his coaching teeth at Whitehaven in the 2017 and 2018 seasons before a brief spell at Rochdale Hornets. He then resumed his playing career at Barrow.
