WHARFEDALE have welcomed back Jake Armstrong as a new forwards’ Player Coach.

Known for his exceptional skills and dedication on the field, Armstrong’s move to Wharfedale marks an exciting new chapter in his career.

With his powerful physique and impressive performance record, Armstrong brings a wealth of experience to the team, having previously played for notable clubs, including Bristol Bears with whom he has played with some of the best players on the planet and won the European Challenge Cup.

His arrival is set to bolster Wharfedale’s squad and enhance their competitiveness in the league.

Armstrong’s signing signifies Dale’s commitment to strengthening their squad and achieving success in the upcoming seasons. His presence on the field is expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s forward pack, as well as serve as an inspiration to his teammates and as a role model to the younger players in the club.

Fans of Wharfedale Rugby Club will eagerly await the opportunity to witness Armstrong’s skills firsthand, as they hope for an exhilarating season filled with memorable moments on the pitch.

In addition to Armstrong, after burning through six hookers last season, two of whom were forced into retirement, Dale welcome back Ben Wright, last seen with a broken jaw before he went off to New Zealand to play.

The hooker department will be further strengthened by the signing of Robbie Collinson from Kendal and Alfie Weston who joined the squad in the second half of last year.

The former is looking forward to trying to play at a higher level and is committed to giving his all in getting a regular place in the 1st team.

Retired hooker Dan Stockdale will work with the Foresters forwards and as a specialist hooker coach across the club. He came through the ranks of the Minis and Juniors before going to university in Ireland.

On his return to the Dale he worked his way up through the teams to become an established 1st XV player and Club Vice-Captain. He was a player who always gave 100% on the pitch making tackle after tackle and doing more than his fair share of ball carrying.

The pack will be further strengthened with the addition of the athletic Bradford Salem second row player Finn Southcott and the return of Ben Markey and Jack Pinder in the back row.

Markey returns after playing for Manley Marlins, just outside Sydney in Australia and Northumbria University and he’s now glad to be back and looking forward to the new season.

Rob Baldwin will continue to play.

In the backs, rejoining the already exciting young back line will be James Coulton after missing much of last season with a broken leg and work commitments.

Pre-season training, which started at the beginning of July, continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays as the team builds up to the 1st warm up match against Billingham, away, on 12 August.