Talented young hooker Sam Dowsett has left Workington Town to return to the amateur game.

Dowsett cited work and travelling difficulties as the reason he requested to be released from his contract at Derwent Park.

Town chairman Garry Mounsey admitted the club were sorry to see him go but said the door was still open if his circumstances changed.

“It’s a shame that Sam has left as he was certainly part of our future plans here,” said Mounsey.

“However, his personal circumstances mean that being at Town was logistically no longer an option.

“We would like to wish Sam all the very best for the future and we have agreed that, if his personal circumstances change, we will talk again.”

Dowsett, a former BARLA Great Britain Under-19 tourist and Cumbria county star, thanked Town and admitted the decision had been a difficult one to make.

He said: “I’d like to thank Town for giving me the opportunity to turn pro.

"l was very honoured and privileged to have been given the chance to represent Workington Town and wore the badge with pride.

“Unfortunately, my finishing time for my job, then the drive up to West Cumbria three times a week made training really difficult to get to.

“I was leaving for work at 7.30am and not getting home until 10pm, three times a week, meaning time for anything else was difficult.

“This meant that I wasn’t enjoying my rugby as much as I always have.

"I therefore had to make the very difficult decision that I can no longer commit to the requirements of the semi-professional game.”

Dowsett wished Town luck for the rest of the season and said he would take a lot away from his time at Derwent Park.

He added: “I would like to wish Town all the success for the remainder of the season and future seasons.”