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Cornwall RLFC have signed local rugby union forward Brad Howe until the end of the 2022 Betfred League 1 season.

The 26-year-old has been training with the Choughs and after impressing head coach Neil Kelly, has agreed terms to play the 13-player code.

Born in Truro, Howe has most recently played rugby union for Redruth, who compete in National League Division Two South – the English pyramid’s fourth tier.

A number eight by trade in the union ranks, Howe has also spent time with Championship outfit the Cornish Pirates. 

In 2019, Howe was part of the Cornwall county rugby union side which lifted the Bill Beaumont Cup at Twickenham. He made one appearance for Cornwall in this year’s competition – a 78-12 win over Hampshire at the Recreation Ground, Redruth.

“I am looking forward to the change from rugby union and I can’t wait to get going,” Howe told Cornwall RLFC. 

“The club is making history in rugby league and the win last week was amazing. I have enjoyed training and I am learning the new rules and the fitness. There is a lot of movement in the defensive sets and I feel a lot fitter than when I started training.”

With Howe a notable player within Duchy rugby circles, who will be crossing the divide from union to league, the Choughs’ latest recruit urged others who may wish to switch codes to take the plunge.

“Get involved by going to see if you like it,” he added. “I have wanted to have a go for a long time now but there hasn’t been a structured rugby league set up meaning it has been difficult to make that transition and have a go.

“But now it is here and set up and here to stay, come and get involved and have a go.”

Kelly, meanwhile, revealed that he has been impressed with Howe in training and the former Super League Coach of the Year says his most recent squad addition is very much in his plans to feature in the final nine games of 2022. 

“Brad will definitely play games for us.” Kelly said. “He has shown up well in training and has got some explosive speed. It is one thing being strong in the middle, but another having power. By Brad’s own admission Brad has plenty to learn but we feel the basics of a very good rugby league player are there. 

“I am sure he will more than hold his own in the games he will play in.”

Meanwhile, the club can confirm that Henry Symons, Kyle Johns, James Collings and Andy Kay have left the club. We wish them well in the future.