ROB Baldwin, Wharfedale's club captain last season, is joining Keighley.

The 32-year-old back-rower will become a major part of the Yorkshire Division One club – he is dropping three divisions – under new head coach Dave Duxbury.

Wharfedale's director of rugby James Doherty said: "I have spoken to Rob and he just felt that he needed a change.

"There is no animosity towards Wharfedale as a club or their coaches and players, but a big factor is that James Cunliffe, who is one of his best mates, is player-coach at Keighley, and it is also handier for Rob in terms of travelling.

"Rob has been an outstanding and loyal servant for Wharfedale and, as such, deserves to choose his own future."

A decision on who replaces him as club captain could be announced as early as next week, with Doherty saying that they are on the verge of welcoming some new signings.

He said: "Two are returnees and one is a newbie, but I don't believe in announcing any signings until they have put pen to paper."

Those already confirmed are Sandal hooker Stevie Graham, who has returned to The Avenue, prop Reece Ward from Old Brodleians and lock Kieran Frost from Towcestrians.

Wharfedale's first friendly at home to Kirkby Lonsdale is a week on Saturday, and Doherty confirmed that most of pre-season has involved working with the ball.

He said: "Fitness is a given at our level, and I have been impressed with the overall standard, but a lot of work has been game focused.

"Last year I was probably guilty of leaving that too late."

The friendlies – the Greens are also at Hull Ionians on Saturday, August 19 – will be the first chance for the players to get to grips with the global law trials introduced by World Rugby from Tuesday of this week.

They include the ruck, to stop tactics such as those used by Italy in last season's Six Nations, and the scrum, where the scrum half putting the ball in can stand a shoulder width off centre on his own side.