DEWSBURY RAMS have announced the departure of the McShane brothers Craig and Jack.

It’s a significant setback for the club and coach Paul March, who signed them from leading community side Hunslet ARLFC ahead of last season.

Both fullback Craig, 27 (pictured), and hooker Jack, 25, made a successful transition to the professional game, but have now said they plan to return to the amateur ranks due to work and family commitments.

“Dewsbury and the coaches took a chance on me by signing me from the amateur game when nobody else did and for this, I’ll be forever grateful,” said Craig.

Jack explained: “Enjoyment has always been a huge part of why I play every week, and with that love for the game no longer being there, along with work commitments and the arrival of my newborn son, I feel it’s the right time to take a step back.”

The pair each made 36 appearances, Craig scoring seven tries and Jack twelve.

Dewsbury say that the duo’s contractual terms mean neither can sign for another professional club until after the 2028 season.

Meanwhile the Rams have extended their Huddersfield Giants connection by taking centre Connor Carr on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

They already have Giants hooker Monty Lumb and forward Jacob Algar on board and all three are in coach Paul March’s plans for Saturday’s game at Barrow Raiders.

Algar, 19, is fresh from signing a three-year Giants contract extension while Carr, 23, has played six times for Huddersfield while having previous loan spells with Oldham, Batley Bulldogs and Bradford Bulls.

“We continue to expand our relationship with Dewsbury Rams,” said Huddersfield director of rugby Andy Kelly.

“All three players will gain benefits and we are excited to see them exploring all aspects of the talent pathway available.”