Hull KR sign Clavering

John Davidson

Hull Kingston Rovers have handed an opportunity to former England Academy international Brad Clavering who has joined the Robins on a two-year deal with immediate effect.

The 18 year-old came through the ranks at Skirlaugh Bulls before signing with Hull FC but turned down the offer of a new contract from the Black and Whites last season to return to the amateur game.

However, after being recommended by assistant coach James Webster, who worked with Clavering during his time at the City of Hull Academy, the young loose forward has now been handed an opportunity by the Robins and joined his new teammates for training at KCOM Craven Park earlier today.

Clavering will train full-time with the squad and be eligible for first team selection in the Kingstone Press Championship, as well as continuing his development with the academy and during upcoming friendly fixtures against opposition reserve teams.

Clavering said: “I’m excited to be at the club and hopefully I can get my head down and push for some game time, whether that be in the academy, at reserve level or with the first team. I’m a ball-playing middle and I just try to work hard for the team.

“I’ve trained for the first time today and everybody has made me feel welcome. I know quite a few of the lads from the academy already and Webbo too.

“He coached me at the start of last season and I had a meeting with him and Tim before I signed.

“I got on well with Webbo at the academy and Tim has got a lot of knowledge with everything he has achieved in the game, so I’m looking forward to working with them both and taking my opportunity when it comes.”

Hull KR head coach Tim Sheens said: “Brad’s got a good pedigree with his selection for the England Academy and although he’s still young, he’s got some size and plenty of skill.

“He was recommended to us and we’ve taken the opportunity to bring him into the squad. He’s still eligible to play for the academy which is a bonus and we’re looking at arranging a couple of friendly matches against other reserve teams as well to give our full squad some game time.

“It’s going to take Brad some time to settle in and get up to speed with our structures so we’re not putting any pressure on him, but we’re looking forward to seeing how he develops with us.”