UNDERBANK AND YMCA CENTRE SIGNS TWO-YEAR DEAL TO PLAY FOR KEIGHLEY

Ryder, who has also featured regularly on the rugby union field for Huddersfield YMCA in recent seasons, joins Keighley following a successful trial which was capped off by an impressive performance on Sunday against Hunslet Warriors.

The 26-year-old centre earned the man-of-the-match accolade for his two-try outing and was also awarded the Napoleon’s Champagne Moment for his assist for Callum Dunne’s second try in the 82-12 trial win.

Ryder has had an undisclosed release clause fee inserted into his contract should a club be interested in him over the next two seasons.

Ryder has been allocated the Cougars No32 jersey by head coach Craig Lingard.

Last season Ryder was included in the England Lions squad for the tour of Fiji.

Featherstone Rovers full-back Ian Hardman has spoken of his pride in representing the club as he prepares for his testimonial match at the club this weekend.

The former St Helens junior has been at Featherstone since 2009, and his time at the club will be celebrated this weekend when they host York.

And the 31-year-old admits he can’t wait to play in the match – insisting that with former Giants supremo Jon Sharp at the helm, more good times are ahead for Featherstone after last year’s topfour finish in the Championship.

“It is a privilege to represent this great club. I have had lots of on-field success with the Rovers, winning heaps of silverware while playing alongside a lot of outstanding players,” he said.

“I am sure, with the current squad of players put together by Jon (Sharp), Featherstone fans can look forward to enjoying some great times.”