Former Super League and Challenge Cup winner Chris Clarkson says he is settling into part-time rugby, after signing for Championship side York in the off-season.
The 29-year-old has over 200 games-worth of Super League experience but decided to join the ambitious City Knights after playing for Castleford last year.
With that transfer came the sacrifice of playing full-time rugby, but Clarkson insists he’s enjoyed the past few months.
Clarkson spent last season with Castleford. Credit: Richard Long/News Images
“With the part-time transition – I didn’t know how to take it at first but I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “It’s an early start to the transition into life after rugby – working full time and then training on a night.
“I don’t really see it as a step down, it’s more of a different challenge for myself. Rugby league is going in a great direction and the Championship’s a great competition with some great teams and great players in it, so it’s going to be an exciting year.”
Clarkson’s signing is one of several big moves made by the club at what is an exciting time for the Minstermen.
Veteran back rower Danny Washbrook has also joined from Hull FC after over a decade in Super League, while outside backs Jimmy Keinhorst and Elliot Wallis have both arrived from Hull KR.
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The club are also hoping to move into the brand new LNER Community Stadium for their second home match with London Broncos on March 8th.
“York are a club and a city with so much potential, which is demonstrated by the new stadium that’s being built,” continued Clarkson. “We’ve got a great relationship with York St John University – we train at their place and they’ve got a great gym and great field to train on.
“As a team, we’ve not actually set any particular goals to strive for, we’ve just been challenged to be the best that we can be week-in, week-out, day-in, day-out.
“If we can be a professional team in a part-time environment then we can go as far as we want, so I’m looking forward to that.”
