Carl Forster is back at Whitehaven, having signed to the end of the season as a player.

It’s a big boost to the club’s promotion prospects as the 26-year-old is one of the highest-regarded props in League One.

Haven have beaten several other clubs to his signature, as several in League One and at least one in the Championship were chasing the former St Helens and Salford packman.

He rejoins the club after leaving at the end of last season to take the reins at Rochdale Hornets, but it didn’t work out for him and he left Spotland last month.

Whitehaven will look now to cement their place at the top of Betfred League One where they now lead London Skolars on points differential.

Haven head coach Gary Charlton is happy to have Forster in his squad, with no issues over his previous role as coach at the Recreation Ground.

“I’m just pleased to have him on board,” he said, “as he will bring size and experience to the team. He’s just the sort of player we have been looking for to complement our other front-rowers.

“Carl is well thought of up here at the Recreation Ground and will fit in without any problems.”

The signing has been made possible due to the support from the Whitehaven RL Vice Presidents group.

A member of the hard-working group said: “The Vice Presidents are delighted to be able to help bring Carl Forster back to the Recreation Ground. We are there to help the club recruit players and this is a great example of what we do. We have helped with the signings of other players this season, but it is good to be able to assist during the season when a player like ‘Fozzy’ becomes available.

“Thanks to our 66 members we have helped make this possible.”

Forster was, and remains, a firm fans’ favourite at the Recreation Ground, during a loan spell with the club and over two years as player and player-coach.

Forster endured a tough stint with Rochdale and it’s his previous affinity with Haven which made him choose the Recreation Ground for his return to the game.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to pulling the Haven shirt on again as I just want to get back to enjoying my rugby and hopefully help the team achieve promotion.”

Club chairman Tom Todd said: “I’m delighted that Carl is returning to the club until at least the end of the season.

“We all know how effective he can be on the opposition line and how much force he plays with.

“We have been a bit reduced at prop of late and Carl will fill this gap with passion and experience and help guide us through the rest of the season.

“With a good striking three-quarter line, Carl brings that extra dimension and size into the pack.

“The competition in League One is an excellent one and every game seems to be ever more important than the last. Carl’s steadying influence on the field will be of great benefit to the club.

“The club cannot thank the VPs’ group enough for its continued efforts in assisting the club achieve its long-term goals.”

*The Vice President’s Group are always looking to recruit new members to assist the club and in doing so members do receive some great benefits from the club. For more details ring Des Byrne on 07986663866.