Wales World Cup star makes Championship switch for 2023

Newly-promoted Championship side Swinton have signed Wales international half-back Ollie Olds for 2023 following an impressive World Cup campaign.

The 29-year-old playmaker came through the ranks at Leeds but didn’t make a first team appearance for the Rhinos. He enjoyed time on loan at York and South Wales Scorpions.

Bridgend-born Olds made the move to Australia, where he played for Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup before moving to Fortitude Valley Diehards in the Brisbane Cup.

Olds has won 11 caps for Wales and represented his country at the World Cup this autumn. He will link up with his international team-mates Rhodri Lloyd, Mike Butt and Gavin Bennion at Swinton next season.

Swinton boss delighted to pull off Ollie Olds coup

Lions coach Allan Coleman said: “It’s great to have Ollie on board for next season as he will bring us a lot of direction on the field.

“I watched him play in the World Cup and thought he went really well.

“After meeting up with him I knew straight away that he was exactly the right sort of character and player that we needed. I can’t wait to see him in a Swinton jersey.”

Olds added: “I’m thankful for the opportunity to be around some of the boys that I’ve played with for Wales in Mike Butt, Rhodri Lloyd and Gavin Bennion, so the Welsh legion is taking over!

“On top of that, I’m really lucky to be in a great team. I’ve heard a lot of good stuff about the club so I can’t wait to get over there and rip in with the boys.”

Olds was a try-scorer in their 18-12 defeat to the Cook Islands at the delayed 2021 World Cup.

As a Welsh international half-back, Olds follows in the footsteps of former Swinton greats Billo Rees and Ian Watson.

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