The Co-operative National Leagues get a new look for 2009
Thursday 20 November 2008

The National Leagues will be known as The Co-operative Championship and Championship 1 from next season as part of an overhaul to raise the profile of the two tiers outside of the engage Super League.

As part of the revamp, teams will also adopt squad numbers and have player names on the back of shirts from next season, whilst at the same time also play for a greater pool of prize money then ever before.

The decision to rename the National Leagues follows extensive consultation with all the clubs involved, supporters and key stakeholders and is designed to further invigorate what are already vibrant and thriving competitions by increasing their brand identity.

Nigel Wood, the RFL’s Chief Executive, said: “These competitions have been growing in popularity each year and this year attendances in National League One reached an 11 year high.  We believe the rebrand to The Co-operative Championships is the next step in increasing the profile of these competitions and gives them a fresh new look.

“The introduction of Toulouse into the competition next season means the term National League is no longer appropriate.

“The Championship was chosen after researching various options with supporters. It has historical relevance within the sport and until 1995 was the main competition to play for in this country.  Next season supporters will know that their team is playing to win the Championship, a competition to win in its own right, and one that comes with a strong financial reward..”

There is a combined total of £200,000 in prize money for the Championship and Championship 1 teams to play for next season which is the biggest winning prize pot ever at this level. Both finalists in The Championship Grand Final will also be eligible to apply for the next round of engage Super League licences for the 2012-2014 seasons.

Liz Matkin, The Co-operative’s Sponsorship Manager, said: “These are extremely exciting times for teams in The Co-operative Championships as with a fresh new look next season the competitions will go from strength to strength.

“As a passionate sponsor of the Championships, we are delighted with the new look and name as we believe it will further broaden the appeal of a high class and vibrant competition.  If the competition is anything as exciting as this year, then I’m sure fans will be counting down the days to the start of the new season.”

In addition to increased prize money and a new identity, players in The Co-operative Championships next season will also wear shirts featuring squad numbers and their name on the back in a move to make players more recognisable to supporters and armchair viewers.

Nigel Wood added: “As Sky Sports are continuing to broadcast games from the Championship and Northern Rail Cup knockout stages next year we feel that squad numbering and player names will help TV viewers in recognising players.”

It is expected that the new look The Co-operative Championship logos will be unveiled in early December.

York College v Calderdale match report
Thursday 20 November 2008

York College Rugby League Development Centre team were brought back down to earth with a bang following last weeks win over Hull. They were beaten 32 – 20 by a Calderdale team who took advantage of mistakes that York made at crucial times. Stuart Leeke returned to the team after missing last weeks game and scored two tries, with full back Dan Fairclough also touching down. Anthony Chilton kicked two conversions.

York had plenty of opportunities to win the game but some excellent goal line defence from the visitors kept them in front. York were in the game until the very last minute when Calderdale scored a breakaway try to seal their win. For York captain Luke Watling was again impressive along with second rower Adam Caddie and fullback Fairclough. 

Knights sign McHugh
Tuesday 18 November 2008

York City Knights are delighted to announce the signing of former Featherstone centre Wayne McHugh. McHugh, 28, has a prolific try scoring record in the National Leagues and will add quality and experience to the a young Knights backline. Wayne is determined to reach the heights he did in 2007 when he was part of the Featherstone team that gained promotion to National League One, which made him one of the most destructive centres in the division. Knights Director of Rugby James Ratcliffe was delighted with the signing,

"Wayne is a quality player at National League level and would get into 90% of teams in either division. He has had some problems in the past but he is determined get back to what he does best and that is playing rugby league. He will certainly give our backline a real cutting edge and I am really looking forward to him pulling on a Knights shirt".

Wayne will link up with his new team mates for the fist time tonight when the squad begin pre season training.

College return to winning ways
Friday 14 November 2008

York College Rugby League Development Centre squad returned to winning ways with an impressive 32 - 20 victory over a Hull side containing several academy players. It is the first game the team have played since the passing away of former coach Paul Higgins, and the team were determined to do him proud. They didn't disappoint. York started well and scored the opening try of the game when Lawrence Keyworth collected a clever kick by loose forward Luke Watling to score in the corner. Watling failed to add the extras but made up for it with a well taken try moments later, which was converted by Tyler Dawson. But York then sat back and let Hull back into the game with three tries before the half time break to give the visitors a 14 - 10 half time lead. After a few words of advice from stand in coach Paul March, York started the second half in similar fashion to the first with a try from Adam Caddie after a fantastic break from centre Tom Lineham. The tries continued with Watling grabbing a second and a brace from fullback Dan Fairclough with Anthony Chilton converting two of the scores. Watling added a late penalty to ease York further clear but following the dismissal of York second row Jack Powell Hull scored the final try of the game. All 18 players on duty made an important contribution with captain Watling, Fairclough and prop Josh Mortimer standing out.

England win Knights World Cup
Friday 14 November 2008

Dunnington Primary School, representing England, gave Tony Smith and the National squad a psychological boost by winning the York City Knights Schools World Cup tournament, which was kindly sponsored by The Gold Cup, Low Catton. Ironically England defeated arch rivals Australia in the final who were been represented by Alne Primary School. Prior to the tournament schools picked out a country at random and were asked to research that country on areas such as population, capital city, culture and their rugby league history and current team. Children from the schools then presented an assembly to the Knights on their findings. Knights Development Manager Adam Prentis said,

The event, which was held under the floodlights at the Huntington Stadium, involved all ten World Cup countries; In Group 1 Australia (Alne), Fiji (Archbishop of York Junior School), Samoa (Stamford Bridge), Scotland (Scarcroft) & Papua New Guinea (Naburn) and in Group 2 England (Dunnington), Tonga (Osbaldwick), New Zealand (Sand Hutton), Ireland (Ralph Butterfield) & France (Heworth). In Group 1 Australia edged out Papua New Guinea to reach the final by only one point closely followed by Samoa, Fiji and Scotland. In Group 2 England finished two points in front of Tonga to top the group followed by New Zealand, who drew all of their games, Ireland and France. In the final England managed to keep the Australian’s scoreless with a 12 – 0 victory. Let’s hope that Jamie Peacock and the England players can repeat this in Brisbane next weekend if they can get past the Kiwi’s in the semi final! All of the children involved were given certificates of attendance and Knights player coach Paul March was on hand to present Knights caps to the two finalists. Tournament winners England were also given an extra special prize of a Knights junior season ticket for the 2009 season and all of the children were given information about the special replica shirt and ticket offer where fans can buy a 2009 replica shirt and tickets for the Knights three pre season friendlies for just £60 adults, £55 concessions (OAP’s & Students) and £40 under 16’s. For more information contact Leanne at the Knights office.

We would like to thank all of the schools involved in making the event such a success, Courtney’s for the use of the stadium and The Gold Cup, Low Catton for their kind sponsorship.

Group 1

Group 2

The York City Knights Foundation and the Higgins family would like to thank everyone who contributed to the collection at Paul's funeral. A total of £937.51 was collected and will go towards providing rugby league opportunities for young people in York an North Yorkshire. Paul's love of rugby league was clear for everyone to see and this money will help enable young people to enjoy the sport just like he did.

The Knights are pleased to announce the signing of 28 year old Australian prop forward Garry Green. Green spent the 2008 season with the Batley Bulldogs but due to work commitments, which led to him starting his own business, he was unable to fully commit to training and therefore did not feature in the first team. But with the business now set up Green is able to commit 100% to his rugby and player coach Paul March had no hesitation in offering him an opportunity,

"Garry has the potential to be a very good national league prop. He played against our reserve grade on the opening game of last season and I think he scored with his second or third carry. He is not the tallest prop but is very well built and will add competition for places in the front row. He is really looking forward to pre season and is determined to show everyone what he is capable of".

The funeral of Paul Higgins will take place on Thurs 30th October, 1:30pm at the Crematorium in York. Following the service there will be a wake at the Huntington Stadium. Having spoken with his wife Marilyn she has thanked everyone for their support at this time. The family have asked for no flowers, other than family ones, and people wishing to make a donation should do so to the York City Knights Foundation, as it is what Paul would have wanted.

It is with deep sadness the York City Knights bring the news of the tragic death of Paul Higgins. Paul passed away aged just 56 from a suspected heart attack. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and he will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Paul was a well known character in the rugby league community, as a player with the Castleford Tigers and as a coach with York Acorn, the North Yorkshire Service Area and the Knights. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marilyn and the rest of his family at this very difficult time.

To celebrate the 2008 Rugby League World Cup the York City Knights are running their very own 'Schools World Cup' to coincide with the tournament in Australia. The ten schools involved will all adopt a Country who are competing in the event, and will be tasked with researching that Country and making a presentation to their school and the Knights Development team. Following this the schools will participate in their very own World Cup at the Huntington Stadium on Thursday 13th November. The aim of the event is to showcase Rugby League on a local level and raise awareness of what promises to be a fantastic competition. The ten schools, who were chosen at random, involved in the event are Alne, Archbishop of York Junior School (AYJS), Sand Hutton, Osbaldwick, Dunnington, Stamford Bridge, Naburn, Heworth, Ralph Butterfield and Scarcroft. Knights Development Manager Adam Prentis, who is co-ordinating the event, thinks the competition will add to the excitement that the World Cup will bring,

"The event will raise the profile of Rugby League in the York area. We hope that the tournament will inspire children to play Rugby League on a more regular basis. We are backing England to win the World Cup and we hope that our competition demonstrates our support to the team. As well as the tag rugby festival there is an educational element to the event. Schools will be asked to research their country and present their findings to their school on areas such as culture, geography and sport, which we feel is very important".

York City Knights would like to thank those supporters who have signed up to the Vice Presidents Scheme for the 2009 season so far, your support is much appreciated. 

We are now just over the half way mark of people joining or renewing their membership compared to last year's final figures, however we want to not only match this but beat it!  Additional benefits have now been added to the scheme to encourage more people to join so the Knights would like to urge fans to join up to the scheme as quickly as possible, encouraging friends, family and business colleagues to join also. 

The £300 does not need to be paid upfront and can be paid on a standing order basis at £25 per month.

For becoming a Vice President supporters will receive the following:

• Entrance to all Knights home games (NRC knockout & play off games not included)
• Bring a friend for free to two home matches (booking of these tickets to be requested at least 3 days prior to game day)
• Invite to 2009 launch night
• Access to Vice Presidents/Sponsors Lounge (on a first come first served basis on match days)
• £10 off ticket for Presentation Evening 2009
• Invite to Q&A session with Knights Coaching staff and representation from the playing staff prior to the start of the 2009 season.
• Monthly newsletter, emailed featuring behind the scenes club news, player interviews, performance reviews from the coaching staff, academy news and much more!
• Draw for every away fixture with the lucky winner receiving two tickets for that match
  

If you are interested in becoming a Vice President for the 2009 season contact Leanne on 01904 758234 or email leanne@ycknights.co.uk

York City Knights are delighted to announce that James Ratcliffe has been appointed to the role of Director of Rugby. Ratcliffe will undertake his role with immediate effect and will have a number of responsibilities relating to the playing side of the club. His main responsibilities will be to oversee the coaching structures in the club, from the first team right down to the scholarship staff. He will also be responsible for evaluating and reviewing current players and identifying potential new signings throughout the season. Ratcliffe will continue to work with player head coach Paul March in weekly training sessions and be responsible for the team when/while Paul is playing. Commenting on his new role Ratcliffe said,

“I am pleased to be staying with the Knights next season. We have come a long way with a relatively young side and I’m sure we will see some big improvements again next season now that the majority of the players have experienced National League Rugby. We feel that the coaching structures we are putting in place will give us some stability which can only improve the club as a whole”.

Knights General Manager Ian Wilson highlighted that Ratcliffe’s appointment was crucial for the club,

“We are very happy that James has agreed to stay at the club in 2009. He has had a big influence on the club this season and by keeping the same coaching team we will have some continuity. Both James and Paul are highly regarded by all of the players and to have them both at the club next season is a major boost”.

York City Knights are pleased to announce the signing of second rower Jordan Ross for the 2009 campaign. Ross has spent the past year playing down under in Perth and was recommended to the Knights by former Knights assistant coach and development manager Jason Ramshaw who now lives there with his family. Ross will link up with his new teamates for pre season training and Knights player coach Paul March said he is expects Ross to make a big impact,

"We have heard some good reports about Jordan. I'm sure he will be looking forward to coming home and will be hoping for a big season. He will add to what is already a competitive back row that already contains our Dave, Rob Kelly, Tom Haberecht, Oliver Wilcox Harrison and new signings Chris Clough and Kris Peacock, although the latter two can also be used in the front row".

York City Knights are pleased to announce the signing of 18 year old hooker Chris Williams on a two year contract from the Wakefield Wildcats. Williams has recently moved to York to undertake a Sports Science degree at St John's University and was recommended to the Knights by Wildcats player performance manager Richard Tunningley. Williams did have an offer on the table from the Wildcats but felt the amount of travelling would make things difficult especially with regard to his studies. Knights General Manager Ian Wilson believes Williams has what it takes to make the first team at the Knights,

"Chris comes highly recommended by the Wildcats and I believe he has the attributes needed to make the first team at the Knights. We are pleased he has signed and are looking forward to seeing him in a Knights shirt soon".

The Co-operative Membership Share of Profit scheme has been developed to enable Rugby League supporters to raise millions of pounds for their club’s community projects.

As a member of The Co-operative you can request that your share of profits be donated to your club’s community scheme. If you are not already a member, sign up today and you too can request that all or part of your share of the bi-annual payout be donated to your club’s community programme.

Members of The Co-operative receive a share of profits based on the points they earn when they trade at any of the Group’s businesses, which include: The Co-operative Food, Bank, Travel, Pharmacy, Funeralcare and Bank plus Sunwin Motors and any online purchases made through www.coopelectricalshop.co.uk. The most recent payout to members was made in July 2008 for £38 million.

If you would like to donate a share of that money to your club’s community project, sign up to the scheme today. All you have to do is download the application form and return it the Freepost address. Alternatively you can pick up a form from your club.

All engage Super League clubs, (excluding Catalans Dragons) and all twenty-two of The Co-operative National League clubs are eligible to be included in the initiative as long as they have a community division to their club.

The York City Knights are delighted to announce that Steve Lewis has signed a new one year contract with the club. Lewis who joined the Knights from the Wakefield Wildcats, made 27 appearances for the Knights during 2008, scoring 12 trys. He was runner up as most improved player of the year at the Knights annual awards ceremony and was a very consistent performer during the season. Lewis will add some strength and size to the Knights backline and can also act as cover in the back row. Commenting on the signing, Knights player coach Paul March said,

The York City Knights have handed first team contracts to academy duo Joe Stearman and Dan Hunter. The pair have been regulars in the academy for the past two years and will join up with the first team squad for pre season training in November. Stearman has signed a one year deal and Hunter a two year deal and both players will be hoping to make the step from the academy to the first team. Knights player coach Paul March said,

"The club is committed to developing young local talent and Joe and Dan are two players who have been consistent performers for the academy over recent years. I am looking forward to working with them in 2009 and wish them all the best".

York City Knights are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Moat as the new commercial manager at the club. He will combine his commercial role with some community coaching as part of the Knights extra curricular coaching programme. Simon will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position having worked in York in various roles all his life. Simon also has a wealth of Rugby League knowledge, originally as a player with Southland's and York Groves, and more recently as a coach with Bridlington and York Groves. Simon also played a major role in the formation of the York Lokomotive and also coaches both the North Yorkshire Service Area and on the Knights scholarship scheme. Commenting on his appointment Simon said,

"I am thrilled to be joining the Knights as commercial manager. I have been impressed with the work that goes on behind the scenes at the club and hope that I can add to that. I am looking forward to working with both existing and new sponsors to help them maximise their involvement with the club".

Commenting on the appointment Knights General Manager Ian Wilson said,

"The commercial side of the club is so important. Having a dedicated, full time member of staff on board will certainly help us attract and keep sponsors. He is a very committed, enthusiastic and knowledgeable man who also has rugby league in York at heart. I wish him all the best in his new role".

The Knights have a number of sponsorship packages available for the 2009 season. For more information contact Simon on 01904 758234.

York City Knights are pleased to announce the signing of Hull FC second row Kris Peacock. The 21 year old has been a key member of the black and whites reserve grade side for the past two years and is a welcome addition to the first team squad. Peacock, who is a product of the Myton Warriors amateur club, is looking forward to linking up with his new team mates for pre season training and is looking to break into the first team squad in 2009. Commenting on the clubs latest signing Knights player coach Paul March said,

"I am very happy that Kris has chosen the Knights. He did have other options but feels York is the best place to further his career. I am hoping that Kris will have a similar impact to Ross Divorty this season and establish himself as a key member of the first team squad.

The Knights are pleased to announce that Danny Grimshaw has signed a new one year contract at the club. Danny's 2008 campaign was cut short by a career threatening neck injury but following major surgery he is on his way to making a full recovery and aiming to show all at the Knights what he is capable of.

Knights player coach Paul March said  "I am pleased he has put pen to paper and following his injury he is looking for a big impact in 2009. He will add competition for places in the half back positions. He has a long recovery process to go through but is determined to pull on a Knights shirt once again".

Danny Grimshaw in action against Featherstone Rovers in February

The York City Knights are delighted to announce that influential hooker Paul Hughes has signed a new one year contract with the club. Hughes has been a regular in the Knights side all season making 26 appearances and scoring 8 tries.

Hughes will add experience to what is a relatively young squad and Player Coach Paul March is delighted that he has agreed to stay for 2009;

"Paul's signing is massive for the club. He brings so much to the team both on and off the field and his experience will be crucial. There were offers from other clubs but Paul is very happy here and staying at the Knights was always his first choice".

Giant Chris Clough joins the Knights
Tuesday 23 September 2008

York City Knights are delighted to announce the signing of Chris Clough from the Huddersfield Giants. Clough, who is equally comfortable in the front or back row, will link up with the squad for 2009 and will be an integral part of the clubs plans as he looks to establish himself in the first team. Clough has been a regular member of the Giants Reserve Grade side this season and is known for his as a tough tackling, versatile forward. The 21 year old did have the option to stay with the Giants, but with first team chances likely to be limited at the Galpharm Chris felt that the time was right to move on and challenge for a regular first team football. Knights player coach Paul March added;

"We have been monitoring Chris' progress throughout the season and I am delighted that he has agreed to join us in 2009. With the departure of David Buckley and Andy Bailey it was important that we were able to sign quality replacements and in Chris I feel we have got that".

Friday nights annual presentation dinner at the Racecourse saw the York City Knights announce that both Paul and David March were staying with the club for the 2009 season. It is the news that all Knights fans wanted to hear and was greeted with a huge cheer from all at the event. Both Paul and David had both stated publicly that they wished to stay with the Knights for the 2009 campaign but the club were waiting to see how many Vice Presidents and sponsors they could sign up before finalising both deals. As reported in the Press the club has taken a gamble on signing both players as at present the number of Vice Presidents is down on last year, however, it is hoped that this news and with the announcement of new VP benefits will encourage fans to join up to the scheme which is such an important income stream for the club.

Knights General Manager Ian Wilson was delighted that both players had signed;
"Paul and Dave are so important to the team. Their experience alone helps other players but they have obvious quality that has been seen on many occasions this season. They will be looking for a big year in 2009, especially with the way this season ended for them, I think that they both feel that they have a point to prove. The club has taken a gamble with the signings in the hope that the fans will sign up to the Vice Presidents scheme or buy a season ticket at the earliest opportunity".

David March

The Knights are pleased to announce that the Vice President Packages have been enhanced and now include the following additional benefits:

All Vice Presidents will receive an invitation to a Q&A session that will be held by the Knights coaching staff and representation from the playing staff. This session will be arranged prior to the start of the 2009 league season. Advance notification will be provided to V/Ps via e-mail where possible and by postings on the club web site.

In addition, a Knights Newsletter featuring behind the scenes club news, player interviews, performance reviews from the coaching staff, academy news and much more will be e-mailed to V/Ps on a monthly basis.

Finally a VP draw will take place for every away fixture, the lucky winner receiving two tickets for that match.

Knights General Manager, Ian Wilson stated,