A serious injury has prompted Workington Town forward Caine Barnes to call time on his playing career at the age of 26.
The former Seaton Rangers forward suffered a career-changing back injury which occurred during the Workington and Whitehaven derby last season.
Announcing his decision to retire, Barnes said: “During that match, I ruptured a disc in my lower back, which resulted in cauda equina syndrome.
“Cauda equina is a serious condition caused by compression of the nerves at the base of the spine.
“If not treated urgently, it can lead to permanent nerve damage, including loss of movement and sensation in the lower body.
“After spending two days in A&E, I was blue-lighted to Newcastle, where I underwent emergency surgery after losing sensation and use of my left leg.
“The operation was successful, and I am now seven months on from the injury.
“While I continue to recover, nerve injuries take time to heal, and I am not yet fully recovered, though progress is slowly improving.
“This injury has been one of the most physically and mentally challenging things I’ve ever faced in my life.
“Being told that, without surgery, I may never walk again or could lose the use of the lower half of my body put everything into perspective.
“After a bit of consideration, I have come to the decision to retire from professional rugby league.
“I have been fortunate to play professional rugby since the age of 15 and to compete at some of the highest levels of the game.
“I spent several years at Wigan Warriors, represented England, and finished my professional career at Workington Town, my hometown club.
“I would also like to thank Seaton Rangers, my hometown community club, where I spent some of the most enjoyable years of my playing career and developed both as a player and a person.
“I’d like to thank all the clubs, coaches, teammates, medical staff, and supporters who have been part of my journey.
“Although this isn’t how I expected my playing career to end, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and now look ahead to the next chapter.”
Workington Town said: “Caine has been a phenomenal player for Workington Town. A very talented athlete who was a competitor on and off the field and a much loved team mate to many.
“An injury like this to such a fit and talented sportsman is cruel.
“We’d like to put on record our thanks to Caine for representing our club with such dedication and wish him and his lovely family well for the future.”
