Welsh international joins Swinton

Swinton Lions have announced the signing of Wales World Cup squad member Danny Ansell.

26 year-old Danny is from Wakefield and cut his teeth with Stanley Rangers. He joins from Hunslet where he has played 18 games last season, scoring two tries and kicking 29 goals.

At the age of 16 he joined the Huddersfield Giants’ Academy set up, before being transferred to his home town club Wakefield Trinity three years later. After a couple of seasons at Belle Vue he then joined Hunslet, where he has since emerged as that club’s key play-maker from stand-off.

Although currently geared up for the World Cup, Danny said, “I am absolutely thrilled to have signed for Swinton Lions and to be back playing in the Championship. As soon as I spoke to Stuart Littler I couldn’t wait to sign. I’m looking forward to meeting the Swinton boys and getting started for next season.”

Head Coach Stuart Littler said of his new half-back, “Danny Ansell comes to us from Hunslet and is highly recommended. He is well regarded by his coaches and his playing peers. He is in the Wales World Cup squad and I’ll be really excited at the prospect of seeing him next year in a Swinton shirt. Danny has a great kicking game and will direct us well around the park. I am looking forward to seeing him play alongside some of our edge players where we will have some real strike threat.”

Lions’ Chairman Andy Mazey added, “We are delighted to have secured Danny’s services. We worked hard to conclude a deal prior to him flying out to Australia on International duty for the World Cup with Wales. Danny didn’t need much convincing to join the New Era here at Swinton and is relishing the opportunity of a return to the Championship in 2018.”