MIDLANDS HURRICANES have confirmed seven departures – including Toby Warren, the former York and Leeds backrower who is being linked with Huddersfield.
Mikey Wood is retiring while fellow utility forward Zeus Silk has signed for Goole.
Also leaving are Scotland prop Kieran Moran, who has had four seasons at the Birmingham club, centre Liam Sutcliffe, who switched from Huddersfield in July, and hooker Danny Barcoe and halfback Callum McLelland, neither of whom have played this year due to knee injuries.
Warren, 23, played a key role as Midlands made the 1895 Cup semi-finals and the play-offs, and coach Mark Dunning said: “While we’re disappointed to lose him, we fully understand his desire for a return to full-time rugby.
“Since Toby joined us he has worked extremely hard to make improvements to his game in pursuit of that opportunity.”
Dunning added: “It’s sad to see Mikey Wood retire. At 30, we thought he still had plenty of time left in his career, however work commitments and a pending addition to his family have led him to call it a day.
“Zeus Silk is a real character, and in spite of the offer of a new contract, he has decided to move to a club closer to his home in Hull.
“As a long-serving member of the squad, Kieran Moran has played a big part in the transformation of our club and we thank him for that. The door is not fully closed on a future return.
“After leaving Huddersfield, Liam Sutcliffe was in need of finding his love for the game again, which he certainly did.
“Danny Barcoe is concentrating on his business outside rugby, and it’s been good to recently see him back on the field with his community club (Stanningley).”
Injury-plagued former Leeds, Castleford and Scotland player McLelland is retiring at 26, and Dunning said: “It’s a great shame.
“He had worked his socks off to get himself back from his previous injury nightmares and was looking good leading into the 2026 season, but injury struck again on his opposite knee.”