International forward departs Championship club
Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com.
Wales international forward Tom Hopkins has left Championship side Barrow Raiders with immediate effect.
Hopkins, 30, first joined the club in 2020 and has gone on to make 39 appearances for the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium side.
13 of those came during the club’s League 1 title-winning season of 2021, winning promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
The forward first achieved international honours with Wales in 2022, making his debut in the mid-season test against France before going on to feature under John Kear at last year’s World Cup in England.
He featured from the interchange bench against Tonga in the 32-6 defeat at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Hopkins has made just three appearances so far in 2023, with Paul Crarey’s side currently 13th on the Championship table with a record of just two wins from 11.
Barrow boss on Tom Hopkins departure
Discussing his departure, head coach Crarey said: “Tom has taken the decision to step back from professional rugby league as he has a lot going on and feels he can’t devote the time required to do himself justice.
“He is currently studying to degree level and has night school and important exams coming up, as well as a young family.
“Tom has been magnificent for us since signing and was an integral part of the squad both in our League 1-winning season and successful Championship year. He also gained his first Wales cap last year, which we know he is very proud of.
“We thank him for all his efforts and wish him all the very best for the future. The door will always be open for Tom if things settle down and he seeks a return.”
Raiders chairman Steve Neale added: “The club are sad to see the departure of Tom Hopkins after he has given us sterling service over these past few years.
“He has been Mr Reliable when he has stepped into the team and performed consistently well for the club.
“He leaves with our best wishes for him and his young family.”
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