Experienced prop forward Kris Coward is set to beef up the Workington Town pack for next season.

The former Hensingham amateur put pen to paper with the club over the weekend and he says he is looking forward to the challenge of League One.

Coward has been at Derwent Park since signing back in 2007 and he is seen as a key signature by the Town coaching team.

"I'm happy and excited to have signed for the club for my 10th year at Derwent Park," said Coward.

"I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else and I hope that having played over 200 games in the Championship I can pass on my experience to the younger players and the lads stepping up from amateur level.

"I’m looking forward to working with Dave Clark and a new group of players.

"We'll gel in pre-season and then build a great platform for an enjoyable year."

The powerhouse packman played 18 games for Town last season despite suffering a knee injury part way through the year.

He has been a key part of the forward line-up over the past few seasons and joins a core of experienced stars who have re-signed for the club.

And director of rugby Les Ashe believes Coward will be a good influence and a leader to some of the younger players in Town's ranks as they look to rebuild for the future.

"Kris is a very experienced prop whose size makes him very difficult to handle," said Ashe, who was delighted to welcome Coward back on board.

"He will also pass on the benefits of his experience to younger lads in the team including Tom Curwen who has stepped up from the amateur ranks."