Brothers are reunited in Bradford Bulls signing capture

HEAD coach John Kear says the capture of former Super League prop Ben Evans is a “statement of intent” for Bradford Bulls.

They have signed the Wales international on a two-year deal after he left Championship rivals Toulouse Olympique XIII.

Evans, who is the twin brother of Bradford centre Rhys Evans, came through the ranks at Warrington Wolves and has also played with London Broncos. The 28-year-old spent a season on loan at Odsal in 2013 when Bulls were still in the topflight and Kear knows him well through his role as Wales chief.

Bradford are without influential forward Sam Hallas after he broke his jaw in Sunday’s Challenge Cup loss at Featherstone Rovers and Kear said of the signing: “I am really pleased.

“Fortunately, we were in the right place at the right time with Ben and with Sam’s injury we moved very quickly.

“He is a very good signing and a statement of intent; he brings hard work, the ability to play long minutes and that is what we need at this moment in time – he will be very important to us.

“His profile fits very well into what we require now and what we require going forward because it is a two-year deal.”

Bradford, with former Rugby

Football League chief executive Nigel Wood bringing muchneeded stability off the field, start their Championship campaign against Sheffield Eagles on Sunday week.

Evans said: “Coming over with Rhys today has brought back some good memories from the last time I was here. I am looking forward to getting started.”

■ The National Lottery is to become an official partner of the RFL and – crucially after the pandemic’s effects – of women’s and girls’ rugby league.

The partnership will see the Lottery’s support acknowledged through a range of branding across the sport’s premier men’s and women’s fixtures.

It will also be the title partner for the England Women Rugby League Mid-Season International versus Wales on June 25.

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “The growth of girls’ and women’s Rugby League at all levels has been wonderful, which made the impact of over a year of not playing so hard for the players, coaches, volunteers and clubs.

“But we bounce back with this new commercial partnership and with the support of The National Lottery.

“Our thanks to The National Lottery, who share our vision and understand that rugby league changes the lives of the girls and women involved.”