CARL FORSTER has admitted his body made the decision to retire from the playing side of rugby league.

North Wales Crusaders head coach Forster brought the curtain down on his playing career at the end of the League One campaign.

Now, his full focus can move to plotting the future of the side, as Forster has penned a two-year deal to remain as the head coach with the Crusaders.

Reflecting on the playing side, Forster told CruCast: “Obviously, I enjoy it. I’m not the oldest to retire.

“So, I still think I can offer something, but the soreness during the week and not being able to train.

“I need to focus on the coaching career over the playing at the minute.”

Forster ended his playing career on a high with a try-scoring showing in a 40-10 success over Cornwall to end the League One season, with Crusaders just missing out on a spot in the end-of-season play-offs by two points.

Asked if he would be tempted to dust off the boots again in the future, Forster said: “If I was ever going to put my boots on, it would only be for us. But, no, that’s definitely done.”