Workington Town’s long-serving forward Kris Coward has joined Whitehaven for the 2018 season.

Coward, who was 36 earlier this month, has spent 10 years – the whole of his professional career – with Town.

But the veteran prop, who signed from the Hensingham amateur club in 2007, feels he is going home.

After penning a one-year deal, Whitehaven-born Coward said: “I’m looking forward to playing for my hometown club.

“It’s something that I have had in my mind for the past year or so and, after speaking to Foz [Haven player-coach Carl Forster] a couple of times, and hearing what he wants to build for next season, it was the right time.

“I wanted a new challenge after spending so long at Workington. I can’t wait to get started in pre-season as I have missed the last two with injuries.

“At the same time, I’m excited about the new challenge.

“Next season, if we build on what the lads have done this season and push and work hard, promotion is more than possible with the squad that is getting built.”

Coward has played 189 times for Workington and will look back fondly on his time through at Derwent Park.

“I’d like to thank Town for the way they have treated me over the past 10 years. I’m grateful and made some friends for life,” he said.

He was also part of the Cumbria team who played England at the Recreation Ground in 2010 in Garry Purdham’s memorial fixture.

Haven are gaining momentum in the squad-building process and want it done well before coach Forster starts his pre-season programme.