Featherstone Rovers are set for a big recruitment drive ahead of the 2024 Championship season.
The club have lost 19 players ahead of the 2024 season. These include former Super League stars like Luke Briscoe and Daniel Smith as well as former NRL star Joey Leilua.
These three were among the first 17 confirmed to be leaving the club at the end of 2023. This came as a number of reported transfers fell through.
The club were set to sign Greg Eden as per reports but this move never happened with the former Castleford Tigers winger joining their Championship rivals Halifax Panthers instead replacing Lachlan Walmsley.
The club had also been linked with a move for Blake Austin which didn’t happen either. And making matters worse, they have now lost both Chris Hankinson and Ellis Longstaff. This comes after the club confirmed they would have to spend less after missing out on promotion and because of the impact of IMG.
The Rovers though are now set to make a number of signing to pad out their squad after these exits as confirmed in the club’s statement to welcome the new year.
“Under James Ford’s leadership, he has brought together the best talent from our 23/23 squad, added to its undoubted quality, such as Ben Reynolds and Danny Addy and introduced younger players who want to develop as players as the Club goes from strength to strength. Our partnership with Hull KR was much sought after by the Club as we believe that Hull KR have invested in one of the strongest and deepest squads in the British game. Once the pre-season friendlies are complete and we head to the 1895 Cup, and the league season, those players will start to be released to our Club and with other additions also set to arrive at a similar time, I’m sure our fans will be excited about the team that will take the field for Rovers.”
The club are not only recruiting for the men but the women as well. They have made some big signings for the women’s side in 2024 and are now looking for an assistant coach as outlined by the club:
“Reporting to and supporting the Head Coach, the Assistant Coach will play a large part in developing the Featherstone Rovers Women’s Super League team, by creating the correct environment for player growth and optimum performance.
“We are seeking an individual who values and respects others, and who can collaborate and build strong relationships, both internally and externally.
“You must be willing to show initiative, take ownership and responsibility for your actions, and consistently deliver to high standards.
“You Will help with delivery at all training sessions, as part of the coaching team, assist in providing players with meaningful feedback regarding performance in training and games, assist with team selection as required, support the Head Coach in providing video feedback to players individually and in groups and attend coaches and staff meetings as required by the Head Coach.
“You must be proactive in supporting the Head Coach and other team officials in their roles, have effective communication skills, be well-planned and organised and have a minimum RFL – Level 2 Coaching Qualification and experience coaching a performance-based rugby program is desirable as well as understanding the characteristics and needs of the players that you will coach in relation to their stage of development.
“This is a part-time voluntary position, for a fixed term of 12 months. Hours of work are two evenings per week (Tuesday and Thursday) plus matchdays (usually Sunday).
“Candidates are invited to apply via email to Jac Davies, jac.davies@featherstonerovers.co.uk”