ALMOST four months after joining Yorkshire Division One side Keighley, back-rower Rob Baldwin is returning to Wharfedale.

However, the experienced No 8 will not be putting his boots on to try and help the National League Two North strugglers in their fight against relegation.

Instead the 32-year-old, who has also played for Otley, Leeds Carnegie, Yorkshire and England Counties, will fill a wide-ranging new position at The Avenue of player development director.

Keighley's director of rugby Russell Gibson revealed: "Rob called me last week to say that he had been approached by Wharfedale to go back up there in a non-playing role to help the club out.

"It's no secret that Wharfedale are struggling at the moment, Rob is a Wharfedale lad through and through and when asked to help what else can you do?

"If I was in the same position, I’m sure I would do the same."

Gibson added: "Obviously we are sorry to lose such a quality player.

"Both Dux (head coach Dave Duxbury) and myself have thanked Rob for his involvement with Keighley RUFC and we wish him success in his new role."

Wharfedale's head coach James Doherty said: "I am not surprised that Rob is hanging up his boots.

"I have played in the same side with him for Wharfedale and Leeds Carnegie and his body eally suffers after games.

"He has a young family and it is a case of priorities."

Baldwin told the Keighley players that he was leaving after their 22-5 Yorkshire Shield quarter-final defeat at home to Middlesbrough last Saturday.