Rangi Chase joins Doncaster after completion of doping ban

Doncaster RLFC have confirmed a deal to sign former England international Rangi Chase until the end of the 2019 campaign.

The 33-year-old has not played a professional game of rugby since being handed a two-year ban by UKAD in November 2017.

The half-back will start training with the club on Tuesday May 14, and is eligible for selection to play from July 14.

The New-Zealander-born half-back began his career with Wests Tigers, making a solitary appearance in 2006 before making 31 appearances for St George Illawarra over the next two seasons.

Capped eight times by England, Chase has also had stints in the English game with Widnes, Leigh, Salford and most notably Castleford, where he picked up the 2011 Steve Prescott Man of Steel award.

On the move, he said: “It feels good to be back, I’m really looking forward to getting involved and helping the lads at the business end of the season.

“I’m excited as I’ve had a long time out, now that it’s not too far away I’m working hard to get my fitness levels as high as possible.

“The training will help me to get back up to speed, I want to try and get ready for July and get to know the boys as well.”

Doncaster Chief Executive Carl Hall added: “We’re delighted to be able to bring a player of Rangi’s quality to the club, he is someone I have known for a number of years and I have always stayed in contact with him.

“We’re giving him an opportunity to show what he’s capable of in a Dons shirt, and without putting any pressure on him – I believe he’s the biggest signing this club has made since Tony Kemp.

“I hope everyone is excited as I am to see him play.”