WHARFEDALE have made their first signing for next season.

Tom Barrett, who has been playing at Rotherham Titans, is returning to The Avenue.

Wharfedale's rugby chairman Michael Harrison said: "Tom is an excellent attacking fly half who can also kick goals, but as we already have a fly half here (Jamie Guy), Tom will have to fight for his place like everyone else."

Barrett, also known for his ability to make a break and land drop goals, made his debut as an 18-year-old for Wharfedale in a 27-9 pre-season friendly victory over Preston Grasshoppers in August 2010 when he was fresh out of Sedbergh School.

Bingley-based Barrett moved to Doncaster in July 2012 but was loaned back to the Greens for the second half of the 2012-13 season when the Knights were relegated from the Championship, signing permanently for the Dalesmen again that summer.

Barrett signed for Rotherham Titans, another Championship club, before the 2015-16 season, but his opportunities were often off the bench.

Harrison added: "We have lost players such as Cameron Hudson, Huw Morgan, Max Labasse and Matt Beesley, but I am sure that we will be fine at level four (National League Two North)."

However, he rubbished news that prop Adam Howard might be joining Fylde, saying: "He works in Leeds and as far as I am concerned he has committed himself to us for next season."

Wharfedale have already announced pre-season friendlies against National League One clubs Blaydon (away, Saturday, August 13) and Hull Ionians (home, Saturday, August 20).

Harrison added: "We are playing a level up in both of these matches. There is no point in us playing a level down for our pre-season friendlies and then being found out in our opening league match."