Prop Tom Walker has left Barrow Raiders to sign for Cumbrian rivals Whitehaven, following their promotion to the Betfred Championship.

Walker has signed a two-year contract with Gary Charlton's side after three seasons at Craven Park, in which he made 73 appearances, with 51 of those coming off the bench, where he often made a big impact.

It completes a 'full house' of Cumbrian clubs for Walker, who signed for the Raiders from Workington Town after the 2016 campaign.

He helped Barrow to promotion from League One in his first year with them and was part of the side that defeated Haven 10-6 in the 2017 play-off final and he'll be remaining in the second tier next year after Raiders' relegation this season.

After becoming Haven's first new signing for the 2020 season, Walker said: "I just can't wait to get started. I've been keeping an eye on the club all year and they've done great in winning the League One title to gain promotion.

“I'm looking forward to working under Charlo and Jonty as I believe massively in a local-based team and what they are doing is working really well.

“I'm looking forward to catching up with old friends and former team mates. Most importantly I am looking at retaining our Championship status, and giving a few teams a shock especially when they have to travel up here to the Recreation Ground to meet the solid local team we have."

Whitehaven assistant coach Jonty Gorley said: "It's great to have Tom as our first close season signing. I think it sends out a message that we are a club which is going local again and the acquisition of someone of Tom's calibre proves this.

“Tom is a formidable front rower who has played in the Championship for the last five seasons. His defence is solid and front on he can be quite a force. He can do big minutes as well as he proved at Barrow last year."