Castleford Tigers today released a terse, 55 word statement confirming coach Ryan Carr has left the club.

Carr, who joined Tigers in pre-season on a three-year contract, had been absent for two weeks. He was the club’s fifth full-time coach since Daryl Powell’s departure at the end of 2021.

Tigers’ statement was released at noon, just minutes after director of rugby Chris Chester had taken the club’s weekly preview press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game at St Helens.

Director of rugby Chris Chester, left and coach Ryan Carr celebrate with players Jack Brown and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e following Castleford Tigers' win against Leeds Rhinos. A month and two days later, Carr is no longer at the club. Picture by Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com

The release in full said: “Castleford Tigers RLFC can confirm that head coach Ryan Carr has left the club due to personal reasons.

“The club would like to thank Ryan for his efforts and wish both him and his family all the best for the future. Both Castleford Tigers RLFC and Ryan Carr will provide no further comment on this matter.”

A caretaker-coaching unit, the club’s third in five seasons, will remain in charge of the team for the trip to Saints. Chester is working alongside Scott Murrell and Rob Nickolay, who were Carr’s assistants. Former Huddersfield Giants coach Luke Robinson and Jason Netherton, who had a spell as Hull KR’s academy team boss, have been brought in this week to help out.