Whitehaven's latest signing Louis Jouffret says he can't wait to return to West Cumbria in 2016.

The Frenchman has signed a permanent deal at The Recreation Ground after enjoying a spell on loan with the club earlier this year.

He made nine appearances in two months and was missed when he returned to France after his loan period ended.

Haven boss James Coyle said earlier this week that he believed Jouffret would have been content with playing for Catalans Dragons’ reserve side UTC but the Frenchman says he can’t wait to play in the Championship again.

“When I finished my spell with Whitehaven, I could imagine that I would be signing for them four months later,” Jouffret said.

“But they have given me the opportunity to play at a higher level and I think it’s best for me to play in the Championship this season.

“I will do everything it takes to come back as a better player and continue to improve with the club during the year.”

Jouffret added that the Whitehaven fans contributed to one of his personal highlights during his short stay in west Cumbria.

“The fans really love their team and the game of rugby league here,” he continued.

“They are behind the team every game.

“One of the things I remember is when the fans sang the French national anthem when I passed to Jordan Sigismeau before he scored against Hunslet.

“A second highlight was the fantastic support we had away at Featherstone.

“The fans really helped us get the win that day and it was fantastic to share that with them after the game.”

Whitehaven have also announced that they will host Workington Town in next year’s Ike Southward Memorial Trophy fixture.

The annual game between the West Cumbrian rivals will be held at The Recre on Saturday, January 23 (kick-off 6.30pm).