DAN Toal has been hailed as ‘indispensable’ to Barrow Raiders by rugby director Andy Gaffney after agreeing a new contract with the club.

The back row has been with the club since 2012 and will extend his stay into an eighth season after signing a deal for the 2019 Betfred Championship campaign.

Toal’s importance to the team was underlined when he was named winner of this year’s coaches merit award at the end-of-season presentation evening last Sunday by Raiders head coach Paul Crarey.

And Gaffney is pleased Barrow have been able to keep him for another year too, praising his ability and toughness

“Dan never lets you down and he’s as tough as they come,” said Gaffney. “He never shirks from anything on the pitch and he trains hard.

“He could play at the highest level, he’s tough as teak and as soon as he comes on the pitch, he makes an impression - whether he’s starting or on the bench. He comes up with tries as well, he’s great in defence and a really tough guy.

“It was fully deserved, getting the coach’s merit award. He’s played with injuries and we’ve asked him to play games when he should have been rested, and he’s said ‘yes’ with no arguments.

“That sort of player is indispensable for a club like ours.”

The 29-year-old Ulverstonian and younger brother Shane, who played for the Cumbria Storm Academy team, both form part of the homegrown backbone of the Raiders squad.

Gaffney is in no doubt about how important it is not to just keep these players coming through, but retain them too.

“That really is the future for Barrow, to single out these local lads and the best amateurs around, and give them a chance to be in the professional game,” said Gaffney.

“Him and Shane are very popular around in the squad, and we want to keep harnessing that local talent.”