Owen apologises to Castleford fans

Castleford full-back Richard Owen has apologised to the club’s fans for the actions which landed him with a 12-month suspended prison sentence.

Owen, 22, was ordered to undertake 200 hours of community service after punching a man dressed as Father Christmas in a brawl last Christmas, leaving him unconscious and with a broken jaw.

In a statement, Owen said: “The club have continued to be very supportive, from the directors, coaching staff, welfare officials and many others who have helped me through this difficult  time. I intend to repay this by not only thanking them all now but by my current and future actions both on and off the field.

“After enduring a year out from playing with my career threatening leg injury, I went in to a dark period of my life. I let my family,club and all its wonderful supporters down. I am not proud of what happened and offer no excuses but just want you all to know how deeply sorry I am to each and every one of you.  

“This is now the biggest test of my life and I will prove to you all how grateful I am for giving me this chance.Together we will strive to take Cas into the top bracket once again and my actions will hopefully see me remembered as a player for things done on the field and not off of it.”

Owen, who made his Castleford debut as a 16-year-old against Doncaster in 2007, scored 10 tries in 24 appearances for the Tigers last season.