Current North Wales Crusaders player-coach Carl Forster is set to bring the curtain down on an illustrious playing career at the end of the 2024 season.
Born on Merseyside, Forster fulfilled a childhood dream in turning out in the famous red and white of Super League outfit St Helens, making his debut alongside star names such as James Roby and James Graham.
In a career totalling over 200 professional appearances, Forster has also enjoyed notable stints at Salford Red Devils, Whitehaven and Barrow Raiders before arriving in North Wales as a player-coach in 2023.
A well respected individual within the game, Forster had become known for his hard hitting, no-nonsense style of play.
On his decision to retire, Forster writes: “This is a day which I have been looking forward to and dreading at the same time.
“Rugby league is all I have ever known from the age of five, fast forward 27 years and I’m pretty content with how my playing career has gone.
“Ups and downs are part and parcel of the sport, but looking back to my five-year-old self wearing a St Helens shirt, all my childhood my dream was to turn out for Saints, something which I am incredibly proud to have achieved (heritage number 1192).
“I’d like to thank all the teammates which I’ve played with, and the coaches I’ve had the pleasure to learn from.
“However, most of all my thanks goes out to my family – my mum and dad travelling all over the country to take me to training and games, my brother, Craig, who made me want to play rugby after knocking ten bells out of me in the garden our whole childhood, and my partner, Sam, who takes care of everything to allow me to play and coach whilst always supporting me.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure, and now let’s end this season on a high.
Foz.”
Carl’s final home game is set to come on Sunday September 1st when North Wales Crusaders welcome Cornwall RLFC to Eirias Park in a game which is free to attend as a gift back to the local community during a difficult financial climate. To claim your tickets for the game, click HERE.
