Keighley Cougars have this evening announced the signing of Featherstone Rovers back-row forward Brad England for the remainder of the 2024 season.

England joined Featherstone in January, following three years at Bradford Bulls, but Rovers have decided they were willing to let him go after only six months at Post Office Road.

It is a welcome bonus for Cougars in their hunt for promotion from Betfred League 1, as they were initially just looking to sign England ahead of the 2025 season.

Instead he comes in with seven games of the league campaign left to go, joining Keighley for an undisclosed fee.

Interim head coach Jake Webster said: “The signing of Brad came about as we’d expressed interest in signing him for 2025 and beyond, so when the opportunity came up to get him early it was a no-brainer.

Jake Webster has made a major acquisition ahead of the end of season run-in.Jake Webster has made a major acquisition ahead of the end of season run-in. (Image: JT Sports Media.)

“Brad’s no nonsense style really fits our ethos and boosts our squad before the signing deadline in early August.”

England is in contention to face Oldham at the weekend, in what could be a title decider.

Whoever wins League 1 will be automatically promoted to the Championship, whereas the second-placed side will have to try and go up via the play-offs instead.