Whitehaven fight off other clubs to retain overseas duo
Ryan King signs new Whitehaven deal
Whitehaven’s overseas duo Ryan King and Nikau Williams have penned new deals for the 2022 season.
King, 24, was named in Italy’s train-on squad for the subsequently postponed 2021 World Cup.
Both he and scrum-half Williams were crucial parts of Gary Charlton’s squad that reached the Championship play-offs with 11 wins in their last 13 games.
On their re-signing, the pair said: “We have both really loved our time over here at Whitehaven and feel that the team can build on what we have achieved so far into next season.
“Everyone at the club and in the town have been really warm and welcoming, treating us like one of their own, which really means a lot and made us settling i over here so much easier and enjoyable.
“The spirit shown by the lads all year has been something else, the lads are such a tight knit group and we felt that we owed them, the club and the fans another year.”
Ryan King loyalty
King had attracted interest from several other clubs but opted to remain loyal to the Cumbrians.
Winger Lachlan Walmsley’s exit has already been confirmed, with his destination yet to be confirmed.
Whitehaven director, Ash Kilpatrick, said: “I am over the moon to have Kinga (Ryan King) and Nikau sign on with us for another 12 months.
“I think everyone has seen how much Nikau was improving with every game. He has brought a tactical kicking game that we lacked, has an eye for a gap and looks dangerous when taking the line on.
“Nikau has settled well in the town and is a fans favourite, especially with all the community work he has done.
“Kinga told me he felt he owed the club for sticking by him through his rehab, which shows an amazing loyalty and speaks volumes for the type of person he is.”
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