Ashall returns to North Wales Crusaders

James Gordon

North Wales Crusaders have re-signed Karl Ashall from Championship club Barrow.

Ashall, 32, played for the Wrexham-based club from 2014 before moving to the Raiders in 2016 and has now returned on a deal until the end of next season.

Crusaders head coach Anthony Murray said: “It’s great to be bringing Karl back to Crusaders and he’ll bring some leadership to the side when we’re in the good ball areas which is something we’ve missed this season.

“He’s been here before and knows what Crusaders is about and has a great attitude which is what I’m looking for.

“What’s important is that we’ve not just secured him for the remainder of this season but also for next year – he was a player that I was hoping to target come the end of the season, so to get him in now is brilliant.

“I’m hoping that he won’t be the last familiar face to return to the club as we look to continue to build and strengthen.”

Crusaders CEO Andy Moulsdale added: “It’s great to have Karl back with us, he’s a very good player who could have easily stayed at Barrow, but he wants to be playing regular rugby and that says a lot about him.”

Ashall has made 12 appearances for Barrow this season, most recently in their 64-0 defeat at Toronto.