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“I would like to thank Doncaster Knights’ owners, Tony de Mulder and Steve Lloyd, the coaches, Clive, Glen and Paul, for showing belief in me and pushing me to my full potential on a daily basis and also to the medical staff — Doctor Zain, Lindsay and Jess for looking after me in a difficult situation,” Carpenter added.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to my sponsors, Stan and Val Newman for their support this season as well as all the passionate Doncaster Knights fans who were always a great support and a pleasure to chat with.

“I wish the team, who became my second family, all the best for the remainder of the season and now I look forward to the next chapter in my life. I hope to stay involved with rugby at some level and give back to the game as well as the rugby community.”

Carpenter had joined Doncaster last January after his previous club, London Welsh, fell into bankruptcy. He played 16 times over the following year for the club in England’s Midlands, which has been home to several Canadians in recent years through a coaching connection made with Doncaster’s director of rugby, Clive Griffiths.

“We are devastated that Aaron has been forced to retire from the game in the nature that he has,” Griffiths said.

“I first came across Carps with Canada over 10 years ago and not only has he become a very important player for me but also a good friend. He has had a fantastic career at both club and international, always leading by example with a faultless attitude.