Fran Welsh Joins The Cougars

[Cougars News]

<p>Keighley Cougars can this evening announce the signing of Fran Welsh from the Newcastle Thunder.</p>

<p>Welsh, a Prop Forward, arrives at Cougar Park following two seasons in the North-East which ended in glory this season as Newcastle Thunder defeated the North Wales Crusaders to lift the inaugral Kingstone Press League One Shield.</p>

<p>After starting his career in both the academie setups of Hull FC and Castleford Tigers, Welsh spent a brief period in the amatuer game with Upton before joining the semi-professional ranks in 2012 with Doncaster RL.</p>

<p>In his sole season at the Keepmoat, Welsh made just short of 20 appearances for the Dons as they secured promotion to the Championship as League One Champions under Paul Cooke but departed South Yorkshire after a torrid time with injuries which left him unable to play for 18 months in order to head Down Under.</p>

<p>Whilst in Australia, the 24-year old Prop spent his Rugby career with the Young Cherrypickers, re-building his career following injury and impressed on video to catch the eye of then Thunder coach Stanley Gene to be signed up by the Kingston Park outfit.</p>

<p>Fran’s arrival makes the Prop Craig Lingard’s 10th new signing and we’re delighted to have him on board her at Cougar Park.</p>

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