Hunslet beat deadline to add another new face

Hunslet have beaten the Championship One registration deadline to sign back-row forward Luke Hardbottle from Central Newcastle in Australia.

Hardbottle, 25, came through the youth system at Leeds and joined York in 2010.

He has spent the past three seasons in Australia, and will link-up with the Hawks at the start of September ahead of their assault on the play-offs.

Hawks Director of Rugby Darren Williams said: “It’s certainly been a busy week at the club and Luke returning home is the icing on the cake, he has signed a deal until the end of the season and also agreed for 2015. 

“He is a hard hitting back row forward with a no nonsense approach who wanted to play for his home town team. He had been approached by other clubs but was keen on a move close to home as he has a young family to support.”