Castleford Ladies make another statement signing

Castleford Ladies have made yet another statement of intent following the signing of England international Claire Garner.

This is a second major signing for the Tigresses following the acquisition of Rhiannion Marshall from Leeds Rhinos just over a month ago.

Garner left Bradford Bulls to join Keighley Cougars following the 2018 campaign however, uncertainly over the future of Keighley’s women’s team led Garner to leave the club and join the Tigers.

The player hopes that her experience can bring something different to Castleford’s game.

She said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s a new set of girls and a new season so I’m looking forward to it. I hope to contribute. I’ve got some experience of rugby league and rugby union so hopefully I can bring something different to the game and something different to the girls.”

Garner is a helicopter pilot and many hope she can take Castleford to new heights following a 2018 campaign which saw the Tigresses lose in the Challenge Cup final and the Super League semi-final.

The half back played for England during the 2017 World Cup in which England reached the semi-final. She was also part of the ‘invincible’ Bradford Bulls side in 2017 which went the entire calendar year unbeaten.

Head coach Lindsay Anfield said: “It’s great to have Claire on board. She is a talented player and will no doubt be a great addition to the Tigers. She is very intelligent and has a lot of experience. I think she can bring a lot of maturity to the team.”

Garner’s first test could come in Castleford’s first pre-season friendly which takes place on Sunday February 3 against York.