All Golds sign Rowland

The All Golds have signed halfback James Rowland from Championship side Swinton Lions.

All Golds coach Lee Greenwood praised the instant impact the halfback has had on his new club.

“James knows the game and will give us some much needed direction,” he said.

“He is not afraid to tell people where they need to be which is something we haven’t had in our side yet. I expect him to take a few weeks to get up to speed with the calls and get used to his teammates but he has already made a positive impact at training.”

Rowland’s first venture into rugby league came at amateur side Woolston Rovers who he joined when still in primary school. Then followed a move to the Latchford Albion club in Warrington before aged 16 he made a dream move to Warrington where he became a regular starter in their academy side.

A move to Oxford followed where his high level of performance caught the eye of Swinton Head Coach John Duffy who brought Rowland back up north.

The 22-year old started every league game for the promoted Lions up until a dislocated shoulder in April ruled him out for the remainder of the 2015 season.

He is now back to full fitness and raring to go for his new club.

Rowland, who graduates in July with a degree in criminology from Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “ I’m happy to be here. I had a chat with Lee Greenwood and I was impressed with the vision he and the club president Lionel Hurst have for the club. They want to be competing against the Northern teams and closing the gap between the north and south.”

“I’ve had a couple of training sessions with the lads and can’t wait to get started against Keighley. I’m most at home in the halves but I’ll play wherever I’m asked to. I’m hoping we can give a good account of ourselves this season and hopefully surprise a few of the big teams along the way.”