FORMER Workington Town player Jamie Acton has quit rugby league after a spinal operation.

The prop / second-rower, 27, played for the west Cumbrians in 23 games in 2013 and was a big hit with the fans.

After leaving Town, he signed for Leigh Centurions before playing for Sheffield Eagles on dual-registration. This year he signed for Swinton Lions but didn’t make an appearance for them.

Acton said on his Facebook page: “[I’ve been] reminiscing about the ups and downs of my rugby career and, rather than being upset, I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the friends I’ve made along the way.

“Cuts, bans, the emotional roller coaster and all the hard work - I still wouldn’t change a thing! The whole combination of experiences has definitely help mould me into who I am today.

“Thank-you everyone that has supported me whilst I played rugby, coaches, fans, friends and family! My dream as a kid was always to play professional rugby so it’s the first goal ticked off the list.

“I didn’t achieve everything I wanted or finish on my terms and it’s frustrating as I felt my best rugby was still ahead of me but I’m not sure that many players ever finish in the way they would of liked, so I’d rather take the lessons I’ve learnt from the time I’ve had playing and enjoy the memories and friendships I’ve now got and that I can keep forever!

“#Ready for the next chapter”.