This week a West Cumbrian rugby league team have announced the signing of a new player.

Whitehaven RLFC have signed Dave Eccleston from Betfred League 1 North Wales Crusaders.

Eccleston has been with North Wales since 2019 and also played with them back in 2017.

He has also spent time with Oldham and St Helens.

Head Coach, Jonty Gorley, said: "I'm happy to have Dave on board for next season.

He's came through the Saints production line, same as Ronnie, when you get lads that have come through them type of systems you know you're getting a well rounded player with the right attributes on and off the field.

"Dave is a winger that carries well setting off sets on the front foot, he can also play centre too and is sound defensively."

Eccleton was part of the St Helens Under 19's side alongside Liam Cooper that won the academy grand final in extra time after spending the entire season unbeaten.

Dave spoke online about how he was feeling to be moving to Whitehaven.

Mr Eccleston said: "The move to Whitehaven is a chance for me to test myself at a higher level as I’ve never played in the Championship before.

"I want to take the opportunity and show what I can do personally at that level."

Dave made over thirty appearances for the Crusaders whilst he was signed to them.

He has now relocated to Whitehaven and has signed with the club for two years.

Club Director and member of the football committee Ashley Kilpatrick said: "Dave came to our attention when it became clear that we might lose Lachlan Walmsley.

"Liam Cooper was the lad who brought Dave to our attention.

"He had played with Dave at St. Helens and spoke highly of him and about how well he carries from the back and how strong his defence is which pricked mine and Jonty’s ears up."

Ashley explained that after watching Dave they were quick to get him on board and are pleased with his attitude towards the game.

The club feel that he will fit in well with the team and what they are doing both on and off the field.