York pull off Ben Jones-Bishop coup

York have signed Jamaica international Ben Jones-Bishop for the 2021 Championship season.

The 32-year-old has scored 147 tries in 241 appearances for Leeds, Harlequins, Salford and Wakefield.

Jones-Bishop has earned three caps for Jamaica and will be hoping to represent the Reggae Warriors at the World Cup this autumn.

York coach James Ford said: “I’m very proud to bring Ben to York, his track record as a player and a person are unquestionable.

“Ben brings an outstanding level of threat to an already talented squad, he also brings with him heaps of experience and leadership.

“Ben has displayed an immense amount of resilience and drive to come back from some serious adversity – I’m confident he will fit in well and further supplement out culture.”

Jones-Bishop said: “I’m delighted to sign for the Knights, I’m looking forward to pulling on the shirt of an ambitious club, and I’m excited about the challenge ahead.

“The last 18 months have been good for me mentally. After being out for a long time I had chance to reflect on things, and I wanted the opportunity for a new challenge and to see what was out there. I thought when I came back last season my performances showed I still have plenty to offer.

“Hopefully I can have a strong season and have a positive impact on the team, and earn a place for Jamaica at the World Cup. There are two games in Leeds and there’s a big Caribbean community in West Yorkshire, so hopefully spectators will be back by then and it’ll be a vibrant atmosphere.

“The domestic game in Jamaica is getting stronger all the time, you can see that when the boys from there come over. They’re playing at a higher standard, and it would be great to be involved with them in a World Cup.”

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