Heartbroken Davies quits after brain scan
WIGAN forward Macauley Davies admits his “whole world has been turned upsidedown” after being forced to retire due to a brain condition.
Scans revealed the 22-year-old has Chiari Malformation, a condition where the lower part of the brain pushes down into the spinal canal and, on medical advice, he will not play again.
The pre-existing condition was discovered when the homegrown player was sent to see a specialist as part of the return-to-play head injury protocols after sustaining a concussion while playing on dual registration for Championship club Swinton. Davies, who made his one and only Super League appearance against Wakefield in July 2016, said: “The past three weeks have been the toughest of my life.
“From getting a serious concussion and having brain scans, my whole world has been turned upside-down in what feels like just a few minutes.
“To be told your dreams of playing rugby league since a little boy are over is the hardest thing I have ever had to hear and to have to make a decision if I want to take a risk and carry on with my dream or to finish it is truly heartbreaking.
“For me, the risks are too high and I have no choice – I have to accept that my health and life are more important than continuing to play.
“This is going to take some time, if ever, to get over. But I know deep down, if I can put the effort and commitment that I did into rugby, then I can achieve anything I want in life.
“I now need a new career and something I can also pride myself in.”
Wigan will support Davies in the next chapter of his life and executive director Kris Radlinski said: “We are very lucky to have Steve McCormack as our welfare manager and he will become so important in Macauley’s life as we guide and support him on another career path.
“Macauley is a strong individual and I have no doubt that he will go on to be successful in another field.”