Barrow Raiders outside back Ryan Shaw has announced his retirement following the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Shaw has spent the last five seasons at the club, making 86 appearances during that time.
A dependable member of the squad and one of the division’s finest goal-kickers, Shaw tallied more than 950 points across multiple spells in Raiders colours.
The ex-Leigh and Hull KR man started his career in Warrington Wolves’ academy, and it was during this time that he first represented the Raiders on dual-registration.
He has spent more than a decade playing professional rugby league and ends his career with more than 250 appearances to his name across the Betfred Super League, Championship and League One.
Shaw has featured seven times for the Raiders this season, his last appearance coming against Sheffield Eagles on the final day of the season.
A much-loved figure at the club, we wish Shaw all the very best in the next chapter of his life.
“I’ve really enjoyed my career. Time just goes so fast really,” he said.
“I think it was 2012 when I first made my debut for Barrow, and it seems like two minutes ago!
“I left home at 16 to move to Warrington, and rugby league has been part of my life throughout. Saying that, I want to be fit for the rest of my life and not wreck my body.
“You get to the point where your body can’t really cope with it, so I’m ready. That’s the reason why I’ve made the decision to retire.”
Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “Ryan Shaw has been a magnificent player for his hometown club and will be remembered by us all for his magnificent touchline conversion against Rochdale away that virtually secured our promotion to the Championship.
“We have really tried to look after him this year with his game time, as he has a number of issues with his knees and the rest of his body.
“He will go down in history as one of the best goal-kickers this club has ever seen.
“Shawy is a proper character, on and off the field, and it’s been a pleasure having him with us. We all wish him well in his retirement.”
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “It is always a difficult conversation when a player tells you that they’re going to hang up their boots, but even more so when it is someone you have seen develop as a player over many years.
“Shawy is not just an excellent competitor but a great bloke too. He will be sorely missed, not just by supporters but everyone associated with the club from top to bottom.
“We wish him well for whatever comes next, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the Northern Competitions Stadium in the future.”
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