Barrow Raiders have announced the signing of outside back Curtis Teare on a one-year deal from Whitehaven.
Teare becomes the second player to agree terms from Whitehaven for 2025, with the arrival of powerful back-rower Ryan King confirmed last month.
He spent just over two-and-a-half seasons at the Recreation Ground, making 62 appearances and scoring 18 tries.
The centre/winger scored 12 tries in 28 league and cup games in 2023 when was an ever-present for Jonty Gorley’s side and their top scorer.
He had initially joined the club towards the end of the 2022 season having previously made the step up to the professional game with Workington Town from the community game.
He played for Wath Brow Hornets and represented England Community Lions at both Under 19s and 23s.
This season, the 25-year-old has been a mainstay of Haven’s squad, scoring five tries in 28 appearances.
He has also previously represented Cumbria, where he featured under the guidance of Raiders head coach Paul Crarey.
“I’m very excited to be joining Barrow,” Teare said. “I felt like it was the right time as I want to challenge myself at the highest level, and Barrow offers me the opportunity to continue playing Championship rugby.
“I’m a tough, hard-working back who is hopefully going to kick-start our early sets. I am hoping to bring a bit of strike and versatility out wide too, as I can cover all three positions on an edge.
“I’m looking forward to working under Cresta [Paul Crarey] again. Hopefully I can thrive and enjoy his style of rugby to help the team win more games.”
Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “It’s great for the club to get Curtis Teare on board for 2025. Curtis was the county centre in Cumbria’s victory over Jamaica but is equally at home on the wing.
“He has also recently done a stint in the second row for Whitehaven. Despite already establishing himself as a Championship player, we see huge potential and improvement in him which we hope to develop.
“Curtis is very strong, quick, great on yardage plays and a proven try scorer at this level. We are excited to see him in Barrow colours next season.”
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “Everyone at the club is delighted to have brought in a player of Curtis’ immense quality.
“He adds versatility and attacking threat to the side as we continue to build for next season, and we can’t wait to see what he can do in a Raiders shirt.”
