AN INTEGRAL player for Whitehaven RLFC has departed the Recreation Ground after two “cherished” seasons to pursue his thriving new business.

Whitehaven Rugby League Club has announced that it has come to a mutual agreement with Sam Dowsett on his departure.

Dowsett is well known to Haven fans having played a key role in their 2019 title winning season.

He joined Haven as a hooker from Askham ARL for that season and went on to 18 appearances in the chocolate, blue and gold.

Dowsett said: “To all involved at Whitehaven Rugby League, I would just like to thank you all very much for the last 2 seasons at the club, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

He said: “As soon as I sat down with Jonty, Gary and Mark, back in late 2018, I knew at that moment I wanted to be a part of the promising, exciting future that was in store, mainly built up of local Cumbrians.”

“That season of 2019, proved to be the highlight of my career by far, winning League 1.

“So, thank you again for the opportunity and faith you showed in me to be a part of that”

It is a bitter-sweet moment for Dowsett as he leaves the club after two enjoyable seasons to pursue a thriving business - Dowsett Pristine Watercare.

He said: “Unfortunately, the last year for some, with the pandemic, businesses have struggled to a point of no return and has been a year to forget, in all aspects of life.

“However, the business I set up last February with my brother, has flourished, with the hot tub sales and maintenance industry rocketing, making my availability for training on a Wednesday and Friday limited, if not impossible.”

Dowsett said: “Having thought about it at length, I found it really hard within myself to carry on collecting a wage at the end of the month, knowing I wouldn’t be attending training most weeks and knowing I would have still been in contention on a game day despite other lads training continuously throughout.”

The club has thanked Dowsett for his service to the chocolate, blue and gold.

Whitehaven’s head coach Gary Charlton said: “We’re sorry to lose Sam, since he’s been here, he has been professional in everything he does and how he goes about his work.

“Sam was exceptional in the championship winning team of 2019 and us coaches would just like to send out sincere thanks to Sam for his efforts at Haven.”

And Dowsett thanked everyone involved in the club for his time at the Recreation Ground: I can’t thank the people at Whitehaven RL enough for the way you have all welcomed me to the great club and making my experience in League 1 and the Championship, one that I will always cherish.”