Ireland international makes League 1 move after French stint

League 1 club Oldham have signed Ireland international prop Pat Moran from French side Avignon on a deal until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old has linked up with the Roughyeds following the conclusion of Avignon’s season in the French Elite 1 Championship.

Moran made his international debut for Ireland under then coach Stuart Littler, who is now the Oldham head coach.

Littler said: “He’s a player I know a lot about, as I’ve worked with him previously.

“He comes to add experience to our middle’s, he’s in good shape and is ready to go.

“We’ve been on the look-out for the right type of person to add value to our squad on and off the pitch and somebody who fits into our culture.

“Pat fits that criteria and we’re looking forward to seeing him in an Oldham shirt.”

Wigan-born prop Pat Moran came through the academy at Warrington, making his first team debut for the club in 2018.

He has gone on to make more than 80 appearances in the Championship and League 1 for Rochdale, Sheffield, Widnes, London Broncos and Newcastle Thunder.

Moran has also enjoyed a couple of spells in the French Elite 1 Championship with Avignon.

On joining Oldham, Moran: “Every prop has to adapt and be a lot fitter these days, and I feel I come under that category – I back my fitness levels and I can do long minutes.

“I know Stu (Littler) pretty well and I like the direction the club is going in to try to get Oldham back to where they should be.

“He’s a very experienced coach and, hopefully, I can play well under him and show what I’m about.”

Pat Moran arrives at Oldham as duo depart

The Roughyeds have confirmed the departures of Ethan Ferry and Calvin Wellington who leave the League 1 club due to work commitments outside of rugby league.

Ferry played 18 games since arriving from Dewsbury Celtic ahead of the 2022 season, whilst Welsh centre Calvin Wellington scored four tries in 11 games for the club.

Littler said: “Ethan has had a promotion at work which meant he would be away at weekends and he can’t make training.

“He’s gutted to be finished with the sport, but that’s the perils of part-time rugby – player’s have to provide for their families, and it’s an opportunity he felt he couldn’t turn down.

“Calvin is similar, he’s doing a university degree as well as working and has tried to balance rugby within that.

“He thought it was best to spend some time away from the game, and both him and Ethan go with our best wishes.”

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