WIBSEY have more than made up for the loss of prop John Bradbury back to Bradford Salem by signing eight players.

Among those to put pen to paper for the Villagers, who finished in mid-table in their first season back in Yorkshire Division Three in 2019/20, are back-rower Shaun Hutchinson from Knottingley and prop Steve Richardson from Old Rishworthians.

In addition, Wibsey have signed former Bradford Salem second row Zak Blackburn, who is studying at Bishop Burton College, and Bradford University captain George Keifer, a prop or back-rower who has represented Doha Rugby in the United Arab Emirates.

The Villagers have also, as usual, tapped into local rugby league by capturing Charles Grocock from Wyke, teenagers Callum McGrath and James Todd from sister club Wibsey Warriors and James Goodall from Bradford Bulls.

Wibsey's secretary and general factotum Steve Brooke said: "Charles could fit in at centre, as could former Yorkshire RL Under-17 player Callum, while James Todd could be a second-rower and James Goodall either a second-rower or a back-rower.

"As for future recruitment, we will always be keeping an eye out for players and we hope to play at least six or seven second-team fixtures during the season to keep everybody happy."

Former Cleckheaton, Huddersfield, Morley and Sheffield Tigers prop Mark Chivers is also due to host some specialist scrummaging sessions.

Meanwhile, centre or fly half Harry Hall has been confirmed as Wibsey's head coach, while Rob Greenwood will continue as director of rugby and forwards coach.

Prop or second row Alex Cerson is first XV skipper, with Michael Kite and Ryan Smith as joint vice-captains.

Greenwood has also been busy on the sponsorship front, enticing Airedale Flooring to be the club's main backer, with associate sponsors being Gregson Electrical, Lincoln Scrapyard, Heavenly Funerals, RPS Electrics, Windows For You and Mad Duck Ltd.