York make Tara Stanley first signing

York City Knights Ladies have announced the signing of England international full-back Tara Stanley from Castleford for the 2022 campaign.

Stanley made the move up to Yorkshire in 2018 after previously playing for Thatto Heath. She was part of the Castleford side that lifted the League Leaders Shield in 2019.

Speaking about the move, Stanley said: “I’m really enjoying myself at York. I’ve been here for a couple of weeks and I’ve settled in really nicely. Obviously, I know a few of the girls so that has helped but even the new girls, everybody has been really welcoming and I’m having a great time.

“When I came in, Lindsay (Anfield) was number one full-back and we were competing for the shirt. We’ve trained a lot together since then, she’s obviously coached me, and she has always supported me. Hopefully now, being back coached by Lindsay and Callum (Windley), I’ll be able to kick on.”

Another signing for York from Castleford

Director of Rugby Lindsay Anfield added: “I’ve known Tara for over ten years now and we’ve got a great working relationship. I’ve both played with her and coached her so I was delighted when she decided to make the move to York.

“We don’t have an established full-back at the moment so she will be a fantastic asset at the back. Hopefully, Tara will add to our ability to compete with the best teams in the league next season.

“As a player, Tara is as safe a full-back as you can get. She is great technically, defensively really strong and is really knowledgeable in that position at the back. She’s a brilliant team player. Socially, she gets on really well with everybody so I have no doubt that she will fit in extremely well into the squad.”

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