RUAIRI McGoff has thanked Ulverston for helping him earn another chance at playing professional rugby league after agreeing a deal with Whitehaven for the 2019 season.

McGoff, who turned 34 today, returned to playing for his hometown amateur club after leaving Barrow Raiders and having a spell out injured.

The prop helped the team earn promotion in the North West Men’s League last year and is returning to the pro ranks for the upcoming Betfred Championship League One season with Haven, having already been back in the Canada international set-up for their 2021 World Cup qualifying campaign.

“Ulverston have done really well this year and they’re moving forward again now, and it was them who really kick-started it for me,” said McGoff.

“I’d finished playing at Barrow, I had a little boy and I’d had an operation on my elbow. But your personal circumstances change, a couple of boys gave me a nudge to go back down there and I really enjoyed it.

“We were playing really well and winning, and they’re a good set of lads. That set me in good stead, and then Canada got in touch with their new coaching set-up and asked if I’d be interested again. I owe Ulverston quite a lot for getting me going again.”

It was those displays for Canada which helped Whitehaven head coach Gary Charlton decide to bring McGoff in.

“I know what he brings to the team so he will be a great asset because he’s infectious,” said Charlton. “I watched him play for Canada and his highlight reel was very good.

“He took in a lot of ball and he tackled well. It’s something we look for as the prop forwards are the unsung heroes.”