Former Hull KR and Bradford Bulls winger Ryan Shaw has announced his decision to hang up his boots. It’s a decision that brings an end to a career spanning more than a decade, with his final few years coming in the colours of his hometown club Barrow Raiders.
The 32-year-old made over 250 appearances throughout his career, while he also spent a season in rugby union with Leeds Tykes.
Shaw started his career with Warrington Wolves but he left the club before he could make a first-team appearance with his only game time as a Wire player coming on loan at Leigh Leopards, Barrow, Swinton Lions and London Broncos.
He joined Bradford in 2015 and scored 16 tries in 25 appearances for the club, which was enough to earn a deal with Super League club Hull KR.
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Unfortunately, he was relegated with the Robins, but he built a name for himself at Craven Park and after helping the club bounce back to the top flight, he went on to play 82 times for the east Hull outfit, scoring 46 tries.
He re-joined Leigh after his short stint in the 15-man code, before signing for Barrow in December 2020. Since then he has made 86 appearances for the Cumbria outfit. Just seven of those came in 2025 though with his last professional appearance coming against Sheffield Eagles earlier this month.
Ex-Hull KR man retires
“I’ve really enjoyed my career. Time just goes so fast really,” Shaw said on his retirement.
“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.”
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.”
