Ritchie Hawkyard returns to Keighley

Drew Darbyshire

Keighley have re-signed full-back Ritchie Hawkyard from Oldham on a one-year deal.

The 33-year-old scored 12 tries in 22 games for the Roughyeds in League 1 last season – but he feels the physical demands of the Championship would put strain on his body.

Hawkyard said: “I’m so glad we could finish on a high and take Oldham back to where they rightfully belong.

“I’m not getting any younger and in all honesty, I don’t believe my body could take all the hits and I wouldn’t be able to give 110% week in, week out in the Championship, so I believe this was the best move for both parties.

“I came and succeeded in what I set out to achieve at Oldham.

“And now I move back to Cougar Park to finish some unfinished business that I set out to do four seasons ago and take Keighley back to the Championship.”

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