Workington Town have announced that prop Joe Ryan is leaving the club to pursue other opportunities.

The young pack star said due to circumstances and the travel involved he now needed to go in a 'different direction'.

But he admitted it had been a hard decision to make and said he was 'gutted' to leave Derwent Park.

Ryan, who joined Town at the end of October last year, said: "I just want to thank everyone at Workington Town from last year till now.

"The club has welcomed me and my family and I have really enjoyed it here and I owe many people at Workington a lot for giving me the chance.

"Unfortunately it’s not meant to be and I’m gutted about that! Due to circumstances and the travel I have decided to pursue a different direction.

"But it really wasn’t easy for me to make this decision.

"To the board, coaching staff, players and especially the fans I’d really like to say thank you for everything and I want to wish the club all the best for the rest of the season."

Ryan initially came to Workington Town on loan in June last year, after featuring regularly for Warrington Wolves' reserves.

After some good performances the initial one-month loan was extended to the end of the season and then he agreed a permanent return for 2018.

Workington Town chairman Garry Mounsey said the club were sad to lose him but understood why he had to leave.

He said: "Joe is a good player and a cracking lad and it has been a pleasure to have him at Workington Town.

"Although we are all sorry to see him go, we understand his reasons for leaving.

"Everyone at the club wishes Joe all the very best for the future."

Town are back in action on Sunday after a one-week lay-off, when they travel to high flying York City Knights in a crunch League One encounter.