Walne brothers announce their retirement due to concussion injuries

Barrow have announced that forward pair Adam Walne and Jordan Walne have stepped away from the game due to concussion injuries.

Forward Jordan, 29, joined Barrow ahead of the 2019 season from Hull KR. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious concussion in match against Oldham in 2021 and never fully recovered. He sought specialist advice and the conclusion was that there could be no return for this season and probably beyond.

The Raiders say they will continue to help Jordan through his rehabilitation process.

Jordan made more than 100 appearances during his career for Huddersfield, Hull KR and Barrow.

Meanwhile, Adam joined his younger brother at Barrow ahead of last season. He played a leading role in the Raiders’ promotion-winning campaign.

The 31-year-old had some issues with an injury from his days at Huddersfield which has resulted in time away from the club. The Raiders say the prognosis from the specialist wasn’t good in terms of returning this year.

A Barrow statement read: “Barrow Raiders would like to thank both brothers for their time at the club and in particular to their contribution to the League 1 title winning season.

“We wish them well in all their future endeavours and hope that in the short term their joint business venture Raw & Outdoor goes from strength to strength.”

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Adam Walne on his decision to retire from rugby league

Adam made more than 100 career appearances for Salford, Huddersfield and Barrow.

He said: “It’s not the way I imagined finishing my rugby career. I’m only 31, but with the health issues I’ve had ongoing following a head injury at the Giants.

“I went back to see the specialists again and I have been told not to continue playing rugby, for me to go against that is just a risk I’m not willing to take when there is far more to life than rugby.

“Myself and my younger brother Jordan have both had numerous head injuries throughout our careers that are having lasting effects in different ways and it just really highlights how wide spread the symptoms can be from player to player and just how complex head injuries can be.

“It’s becoming increasingly apparent that head injuries are a major problem within the game with the amount of players past and present suffering from issues surrounding head injuries. If I can help the game and future players in any way from my own experiences I will.

“I would like to thank Barrow and my family for all trying their best to help me manage and overcome this situation but ultimately that’s not going to be the case so It’s best that myself and the club mutually part ways at this stage so everyone can move forward.