Fev coup as Ridyard signs two-year deal

FEATHERSTONE have made a significant statement by landing Leigh half-back Martyn Ridyard on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old played a key role in the Centurions’ promotion to Super League in 2016 and impressed during a loan spell with Huddersfield Giants this year.

“We are thrilled to have pulled off such a big signing for the club,” said Rovers head coach John Duffy, who played with Ridyard at Leigh.

“We feel Martyn will bring a great deal to what we are trying to achieve here. He brings strong leadership qualities and a fantastic track record. I feel he can be a genuine leader for the team going forward.

“Martyn has the kind of composure that a coach looks for in a player during big games and we feel confident he will achieve great things here.”

Featherstone secured a second successive top-four finish in 2017 and Ridyard is confident the club will be in the promotion mix again next season.

“A top-four finish is an extremely realistic aim for this club and it is where we want to be at the very least,” he said.

“Every year the Championship has got tougher and tougher but we will be right there in the mix with the likes of Leigh, Toronto, London and Toulouse.

“This move feels very much right for me and I am now fully focused on expressing myself in the way I like to, displaying the game I have developed over the years.” ■■The University of Gloucestershire All Golds and Oxford have merged to create a new club based in Bristol.

The Rugby Football League has given the venture the green light with a view to the Bristol-based club joining League 1 in 2019.

Neither of the existing clubs will compete in next year’s competition and will instead aim to secure the investment required to be granted approval by the RFL to launch the team in time for the 2019 season.

“The Rugby Football League is clear that there is an expectation on all clubs in the professional game to offer a clear strategy that demonstrates their plans to help grow and strengthen the sport in future years,” said RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer.

“Oxford and Gloucester have come to the conclusion that the best way for them to now move forward is by creating a new club in Bristol that is backed by significant support and investment.

“The Rugby Football League board has accepted this and is looking forward to seeing further detailed plans for the new club in due course.

“Rugby league will continue to have a presence in both Oxford and Gloucester ,with community clubs and foundations remaining in place.”

In 2018, League 1 will be made up of 14 clubs.