Barrow Raiders can confirm the departure of five first team players following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
Ellis Gillam, Max Clarke, Greg Burke, Adam Jackson and Mike Ogunwole have all left the club.
Gillam has opted to move on from the Raiders to pursue full-time opportunities within the sport. He joined ahead of the club’s first season back in the Championship and went on to score nine tries in 71 appearances, establishing himself as a key member of Paul Crarey’s forward pack over several years.
Off the field, Gillam has also been an integral part of the club’s community work, through his role at the Advantage Barrow Raiders Community Foundation.
Versatile second-rower/centre Clarke will also leave the club, having made 16 appearances during his only season in Cumbria.
He scored six tries during an injury-disrupted campaign, and also featured at international level for Wales for the first time last month.
Former Betfred Super League forward Greg Burke spent three seasons in Raiders colours following a move from Salford Red Devils.
He featured 36 times for the club, 13 of which were starts.
Half-back Jackson is another who will move on, having signed a one-year professional deal with the Raiders ahead of the 2024 season.
The experienced playmaker went on to make three appearances and proved to be a capable squad player when called upon.
The final player who will exit the Northern Competitions Stadium is Nigeria international Ogunwole, who made three substitute appearances last season.
A British Army soldier, Ogunwole, also made a solitary appearance on loan at Workington Town back in June.
A sixth player winger Max Anderson-Moore, who also featured for the club twice on dual-registration from the local amateur game last season, has signed for Whitehaven.
On the departures, Barrow Raiders director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “First and foremost, it is never nice to see players leave the club. Sport is ever-evolving, and in order to bring in new players, others must go.
“All five players can hold their heads high, and we thank them for their service and wish them all the best for the future.”
The club remains in negotiations with several existing members of the first team squad, with updates on their future to be provided in due course.
