Former Workington Town loanee Macauley Davies has been forced to retire from rugby league at the age of 22.

Davies, who spent last season loan at Town from Wigan Warriors, retired with immediate effect after scans revealed a Chiari malformation – a condition where the lower part of the brain pushes down into the spinal canal.

The condition was discovered when he was sent to a specialist as part of the return-to-play head injury protocols after sustaining a concussion while playing on dual registration for Championship club Swinton.

The forward, who made his one and only Super League appearance against Wakefield in 2016, said: "The past three weeks have been the toughest three weeks of my life.

"From getting a serious concussion and having brain scans, my whole world has been turned upside down in what feels like just a few minutes.

"To be told your dreams of playing rugby league since a little boy are over is the hardest thing I have ever had to hear and to have to make a decision if I want to take a risk and carry on with my dream or to finish it is truly heartbreaking.

"For me the risks are too high and I have no choice - I have to accept that my health and life are more important than continuing to play."

Workington have joined the outpouring of support from the rugby league family.

A club statement said: “Everyone at Town is desperately sorry to hear that Macauley Davies has had to retire from rugby league at the age of 22.

“Macauley joined us on loan last season and was a model professional on and off the field.

“He is also a fine young man who quickly became a key member of our team, making friends for life here at the club.

“To Macauley, we’re sure that you will go on to do well in whatever you do in the future."