Former Barrow forward and Whitehaven player coach Carl Forster is breaking new ground as North Wales Crusaders coach.
Forster has signed the Netherlands international Joran Schoenmaker, who was nominated for the Golden Boot award in 2022.
The 23-year-old will become only the second Dutch-born player to feature in the professional ranks, following in the footsteps of ex-St Helens, Salford, Wigan and Leigh forward Tim Jonkers.
He will be the first to play at League One level and Cumbrian fans will have a chance to assess him when Forster brings his Crusaders side to Barrow in the New Year for Nathan Mossop’s testimonial.
Forster said: “Joran has really impressed us with his athleticism and willingness to succeed. He’s really keen to join up with the squad and he will be a good addition to the team.”
Schoenmaker said: “Being the only born and raised Dutch player competing at this level, I’m looking forward to representing the Netherlands; and I’m looking forward to the experience and pushing for promotion.”
He has been the stand-out player for Netherlands for several years, winning the 2018 NRLB with Amsterdam Cobras before returning to his hometown club Zwolle Wolves.
Schoenmaker enjoyed success on the international stage too, winning the 2021 European Championship D with Netherlands as well as being nominated for International Rugby League’s Golden Boot award in 2022.
NRLB operations manager Matt Rigby said: “Joran has been instrumental to our international success over the past few years; and has demonstrated his potential on numerous occasions in Europe. We are all excited to see how Joran fairs in the step up to League 1.
“It’s a huge opportunity for Joran to compete at a higher level whilst becoming a Dutch pioneer for professional rugby league opportunities to more players in the Netherlands and mainland Europe.”
Forster left Barrow to take the coaching role with Crusaders in succession to Anthony Murray after he moved to the head coach role at Workington Town.
