The captain of Swinton Lions rugby league team has quit the game after suffering two head injuries.

Mike Morrison, 29, received injuries in two recent games , the latest being last weekend against London Broncos, which caused him to leave the field early in the game.

Now after considering his health he has decided to retire on medical grounds.

Mike said: “It is with great sadness that I am announcing my retirement from rugby league with immediate effect. It has been made clear to me following a recent string of head injuries that I can no longer carry on with the sport I love.

“Rugby has been a huge part of my life, not only at Swinton, but at my previous clubs. I have gathered some amazing memories and met some inspiring people along the way.

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“The proudest moment in my career was leading out Swinton Lions for the first time as captain earlier this years. To lead such a great bunch of lads onto the field was a massive honour for me.

“I would like to say thank you to my parents and to my wife for all their encouragement, patience, and sacrifices that they have made for me over the years to enable me to play the sport that I love. For this I will be eternally grateful.”

Swinton Lions coach, John Duffy, said: “It comes with great sadness and heartache that Mike has made th e decision to to retire. After another knock on the head on Sunday Mike had a long hard think about his personal welfare and has reluctantly had to make the right decision to hang up his boots.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to say that it’s been an honour to have coached a player who has never given less than 100 per cent whether it be a training session or a game.

“He is part of a dying breed that don’t give a damn about their bodies because they just instinctively compete for everthing.

“When he plays the game he is someone that leads with his actions and someone you want alongside you in the trenches when the going gets tough.

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“The squad look up to him and seek his advice both on and off the field.

“We are all going to miss him being out there in a Swinton shirt because we know how much he loves the club. I will be keeping Mike involved with a role at the club.

“I personally thank Mike’s dad, Mike senior, and wife Cara for talking him round and also our medical staff for all their sound input and advice.”

Lions’ chief executive, Steve Wild, said: “As a supporter of Swinton Lions I’d like to thank Mike for all his efforts on behalf of the club over the past five years.

“Mike will be remembered as a modern-day legend by the fans, who twice played a pivotal role in us gaining promotion.

“His name will appear alongside 149 other club legends within he fabric of the anniversary shirt.

“It is the club’s intention to honour his retirement in a way which befits his contribution."