York sign Chris Clarkson

Drew Darbyshire 04 Oct 2019 6:01 PM

York have signed back-rower Chris Clarkson from Castleford for the 2020 season.

The 29-year-old has made 244 career appearances for Leeds, Widnes, Hull KR and Castleford.

Clarkson has won two Super League titles, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge.

Knights coach James Ford said: “After doing our due diligence on him, it was clear form everyone we spoke to that he came with a glowing reference with regard to his attitude and the standards he adheres to both on and off the field.

“I’m looking for Chris to be one of the leaders in our pack in 2020, and I feel he will have a positive impact in our team, and be someone who will help further the culture we are trying to develop, especially amongst our younger players.

“At 29, he brings a lot of experience but also he still has some of his best years ahead of him, he is probably at peak physical shape for a forward. I’m looking forward to seeing him promote the ball a bit in his forward play, which is a slightly different role to what he did at Castleford but one I’m sure he will enjoy.

“It’s a mark of just how far the club has come that we have secured a signing of this standard. Two years ago, I probably wouldn’t have even answered the phone to his agent, but now we are in a position where we are an attractive proposition to players like Chris.”