Kingstone Press Championship 1 side London Skolars have pulled off a major coup in capturing the signature of former Great Britain International Gareth Raynor.

Raynor made over 200 Super League appearances in a career that saw him score 448 points. Most of Raynor’s appearances, and points, were for Hull where he played between 2001-2009. Club’s played for include Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls and Crusaders. Raynor made two appearances for Featherstone Rovers before deciding to retire from the professional game last year.

Despite a number of approaches from clubs keen to enlist Raynor’s experience he has, until now, resisted attempts to lure him back to the game he graced for so many years and which saw him make three appearances for Great Britain.
Talking about his decision to come out of retirement and play in London Raynor had this to say: “I am really looking forward to coming down to London to play for Joe Mbu’s Skolars team and I firmly believe I can make a difference. Like always you will get 100% from me, which is what I have always given no matter which team I have had the pleasure to play for throughout my career. I am excited to be putting my boots back on and, although it’s something I was not expecting to do ever again, the opportunity to come down to London and help Skolars push for promotion is a challenge that appealed to me greatly. I believe I have a lot to offer the game and I will try and teach some of the young lads coming through a few things to not only help the team but their progress as individual players.”

“I do understand the division the club is in and I have turned down similar offers to play in the Championship, next door to me. The Skolars management have impressed me with their ambition and determination to grow Rugby League in the South and now I have the opportunity to make a difference.”

Talking about the signing Skolars General Manager Howard Kramer had this to say: As we move into the final six league games of the reguar season it’s vital the team keeps the momentum going and confidence is high after four straight league wins.  Gareth has played at the highest level and he’s very keen to bring his experience and knowhow to the team. With this signature the Skolars board have demonstrated their commitment to getting the team promoted and this shows a clear statement of intent.”