York pull off huge Horne coup
Hull KR forward Graeme Horne has signed for York City Knights for the 2018 season and he will also take on an assistant coaching role.
The 32-year-old has enjoyed a fine professional career, making over 250 appearances in Super League with Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants and KR.
He has signed a one-year deal with League 1 outfit York and will play alongside former Robins teammate Ben Cockayne at Bootham Crescent next year.
Horne only managed to make seven appearances in Hull’s promotion-clinching squad in 2017 due to a broken thumb hindering his game time.
And the back-rower admitted that he is looking forward to doing a bit of coaching as well as playing at the Knights.
He said: “I’m really pleased to have signed for York. The facilities here are absolutely fantastic, and James (Ford) and Jon (Flatman) really sold the well-respected culture and environment of the club to me.
“They’re putting together a squad capable of challenging for promotion in a very competitive league and I’m excited to be a part of that. The opportunity for me to start to cut my teeth in coaching under a head coach like James Ford really excites me also.
“I played and watched a few Knights games last season and the fans were absolutely fantastic. I’m really looking forward to running out in front of them at Bootham Crescent next year, especially in that huge opening game against Bradford Bulls on the opening day.”
And Knights head coach James Ford is pleased to welcome a play with such experience to the club.
He said: “I’m delighted to get a player with the ability and experience of Graeme. He’s a proven Super League player, a good clubman and a good person to have around the group.
“Replacing Johnny (Presley) was important and Graeme will bring an experienced alternative viewpoint in terms of coaching – he’s someone I’m really looking forward to working with.
“He’s played a lot of rugby throughout his career and he’s been involved in big matches, whilst he’s also previously captained his former clubs on multiple occasions. I’m confident he’ll improve our standards on and off the field.”