Welham to leave Hull KR
Hull Kingston Rovers have confirmed that centre Kris Welham will leave the club at the end of the season.
The player, who has spent 10 years with the Robins, is expected to continue his career elsewhere, after scoring 100 tries in 189 games since making his debut in National League One in 2006.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have had a great career here and I’ll miss playing for Hull Kingston Rovers but all good things must come to an end,” he told the Robins’ official website.
“It’s now time for a new challenge from next season and I wish everybody at the club all the best for 2016 and beyond.
“I’d like to thank everybody for all they have done for me whilst I’ve been here, including my teammates, the board of directors, the coaches, the office staff and particularly the supporters who have always been terrific.
“It’s been a pleasure to pull on the red and white shirt and I’ve got some fond memories from my time here. It’s disappointing not to be staying at the club next season, but my goal now is to end my Rovers career on a high.
“Scoring my 100th try against Bradford at the weekend was an achievement I’m really proud of and now I’ve got my sights set on playing in these next two matches and hopefully winning them both.
“To score a century of tries and then finish the season unbeaten in the Super 8s would be a good way to finish my time here.”
Welham will captain the side against Sheffield Eagles tomorrow and head coach Chris Chester acknowledged that ending the player’s time at the club was a very difficult decision to take.
“Kris has been a tremendous servant to this club and he will be missed by everybody at Hull Kingston Rovers next season, but ultimately the time is right for all parties to move on,” he said.
“We’ve decided to go in a different direction in the backs next season and this is also an opportunity for Kris to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere, which I’m sure will bring out the best in him as well.
“Personally, it’s very difficult not to give a new contract to somebody you have both played alongside and coached, but Kris understands our reasons and he’ll leave with our best wishes for the future.
“He’s a player who has earned everybody’s respect for what he has done in a Hull Kingston Rovers shirt and I’m sure he’ll be given a tremendous reception by our supporters over the next two weeks.”