Carl Forster, the former Barrow forward and Whitehaven coach, is linking up with a familiar face in his new role as coach of North Wales Crusaders.
Forster has actually recruited a player he took to Whitehaven when he was in charge at the Recreation Ground, scrum-half Brad Billsborough.
After going through the St Helens Academy set-up, the 24-year-old joined Whitehaven in 2018 and only played six games because of injury, before moving to Swinton Lions where he [played ten further games.
He spent 2019 in Australia with Grafton Ghost in the Group 2 Premiership and helped them land the title. Since then he’s been playing in both half back positions for North Wales Crusaders under current Workington Town coach Anthony Murray.
Billsborough was selected to play for Gemany in the 2021 World Cup qualifiers and actually became the youngest player to captain the international side.
Forster said: “I’m made up to have Brad on board. I know what I’m getting when it comes to him. He’s a consistent player who won’t let the side down. Having previously coached Brad I’m looking forward to working with him again and seeing what we can achieve together.”
Billsborough said: “We know each other quite well so I’m looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season training and helping the club hopefully go one better than last year when we reached the play-offs.
“I’m enjoying my rugby here and that’s what matters. I put it down to the lads here. They’re great and the backroom staff are too so I want to repay them for putting their faith in me.”