North Wales Crusaders hooker James Dandy has been forced to retire due to injury.

Dandy was stretchered off during the 48-0 defeat at the hands of Bradford Bulls last month and after further scans revealed the extent of the damage to his neck, he's called time on his playing career.

A post of the incident from a live blog on Your Local Guardian read: "Stretcher is called for as loose forward James Dandy injured. Physio supporting his head as he lay on the floor. Delay while he was being treated or helped by six people."

Dandy, who was vice captain of Crusaders last season, decided that, with a young family and his future health in mind, retiring was the best option.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved and the supporters for my time at North Wales Crusaders," he said.

“I’ve loved it, and North Wales Crusaders will always be my team.”

Crusaders chief executive officer Andy Moulsdale hailed Dandy's impact on the Wrexham-based club.

“I’m sure I speak for everyone involved with the club when I say that James Dandy has been a class act since he joined the club," said Moulsdale.

“He’s one of the toughest lads that I’ve played with, a real players' player.

“I’ll miss him being around the place, but he has to think of his family and his health. He’s always welcome back here, and he knows that.”

Crusaders, who have won three successive League One fixtures since losing to Bradford Bulls, are back in action on Sunday as Doncaster visit the Queensway Stadium.