A Championship club have confirmed the signing of a former NRL player after his recent release from a rival side.
North Wales Crusaders have plenty of ambition with the 2025 League One champions set for their first season in the Championship since 2014.
The new expanded competition has a ten-team play-off system which the Crusaders will fancy their chances at making, particularly off the strength of their pre-season where they have won both matches.
North Wales beat Swinton in December then beat a youthful Wigan Warriors side this past weekend and now they’ve added another big name to their squad.
Mark Ioane, who was released from Keighley Cougars earlier in the week, has signed with North Wales ahead of their 2026 campaign in the Championship with Ioane bringing plenty of experience to the Welsh outfit.
Keighley had confirmed that Ioane had requested a release from his contract with that news coming just a week after the Cougars lost their head coach, Alan Kilshaw.
North Wales sign Mark Ioane on eve of Championship season
Ioane’s next destination has now been confirmed with North Wales sharing the news that they have signed the veteran forward who spent the past three years with the Cougars.
Prior to that he represented Leigh Centurions and London Broncos, having initially signed for the Broncos from the NRL ahead of the 2016 season.
His NRL career saw him make 28 appearances across two seasons, highlighting the experience and value that the 35-year-old can bring to the Crusaders.
On the move, Ioane said: “Looking forward to bringing my experience into a team who play creative, enthusiastic rugby. Excited to also work alongside staff with the youngsters on and off the field assisting in their skills and ambitions to succeed in rugby league. Aspiring club with a plan of progression, can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Head coach Dean Muir added: “Being able to bring in a middle of marks quality and experience is vital as we continue to grow the squad. He is a big powerful middle who adds more punch to our pack.
“He has worked with me before and the way we are looking to play really suits him. His work ethic and leadership off the field will help us as a group navigate through a long championship season.”
North Wales won’t play in the first round of the Championship as they’re set for a bye but they will take on Widnes Vikings in round two to kick off their season.
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