Carl Forster

Carl Forster (born 4 June 1992) is an English professional rugby league coach who is an assistant coach at the Bradford Bulls in the Super League. He is a former professional rugby league footballer and former head coach.

He played for St Helens in the Super League, and on loan from Saints at a number of clubs.

He has previously coached Whitehaven in League 1, Rochdale Hornets in the Championship and the North Wales Crusaders in League 1.

Background Forster was born in St Helens, Merseyside, England.

Playing career St Helens He signed for Saints from local amateur club Pilkington Recs in 2009. 2011's Super League XVI was his first as a professional with St. Helens. He enjoyed Grand Final success with St. Helens Academy. In June 2012, Carl signed a 2-year contract with St. Helens.

Salford Red Devils He played for Salford in the Super League until the end of 2015.

Swinton Lions In the 2016 season, Forster played for Swinton.

Whitehaven RLFC For the 2017 season, Forster played for Whitehaven while also serving as the team's head coach.

Rochdale Hornets In 2019, Forster moved on to the Rochdale Hornets as player-coach before moving back to Whitehaven that season on loan after re-signing from Rochdale.

Barrow Raiders On 23 September 2019, it was reported that he had signed for Barrow in the RFL League 1 on a Player-only one-year deal.

North Wales Crusaders On 5 November 2022, it was reported that he had taken up the player-coach role at North Wales Crusaders in the RFL League 1 for the 2023 season.

On 4 October 2025, only days after winning the League One Coach of the Year award, it was reported that he had left the club to take up a full-time Super League coaching opportunity