Hull KR confirm departures of Nick Scruton and Lee Jewitt

Hull Kingston Rovers can confirm that forwards Nick Scruton and Lee Jewitt have both left the club.

Scruton, 34, did not feature in the 2019 campaign and made 49 appearances for the club since 2017, scoring six tries. Upon surgeon’s advice, Scruton will call time on his playing career and retire from rugby league.

Meanwhile Jewitt, 32, featured in three matches this term, and on medical grounds will take an extended break from the game. Whilst there are no plans to retire immediately, Jewitt is exploring options off the field.

Speaking exclusively to hullkr.co.uk, Scruton said: “Obviously it’s pretty devastating, the thought of not ever playing rugby ever again. It’s been a big part of my life for a long time, and it will be hard to get head around. But it’s for the best and on the surgeon’s advice it was my time to call it quits.

“The whole process has been tough but I can’t thank my family enough who have supported me from day one to today, and I’d like to place on record my thanks to Tim Sheens (KR coach), who has been absolutely class throughout the whole situation.

“I’d like to thank every supporter and every team-mate I’ve had the honour of playing with across my career, they won’t be forgotten.”

Jewitt added: “It felt like the right decision. At the end of the day, the club want a player on the field week in week out and I’ve not been able to give them that.

“Over the last few months I’ve been unable to be consistent and I’ve had to take a month out of the game with concussion on medical advice.

“From the club’s point of view I understand on wanting a player out there, and from my point of view that’s frustrating as I want to be out there but injuries have held me back. However, we leave on great terms. It was a mutual decision and there are no hard feelings at all.

“I’ve been working over the last five or six years doing different courses on counselling, sports psychology, mental health and welfare. It’s my passion, and I’d love to work in sport and particularly rugby league. My door is open.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to my sponsor SJS Flooring. To the KR fans, thank you, I’ve loved playing there, every minute of it. They have a great fan-base and I’m sad that I’ve not been able to give them what I’ve been capable of.”