WILL Armitage has been named as Keighley's new first-team captain.

The 25-year-old hooker, who can also play in the back row, will hope to help revive the club in SSE Yorkshire Division Two after back-to-back relegations.

Keighley's director of rugby Graeme Sheffield said: "There were a number of people in the frame for the position but we feel that Will is the best equipped to do the job.

"We have a young side and feel that Will's experience can help, and the decision will also aid his focus."

Meanwhile, Sheffield confirmed that powerful winger Sam Walker has joined Huddersfield in National League Two North – a leap of four divisions.

"He did it in the right way. He came to see us and, as a coaching group, we cannot criticise him for leaving Keighley to play at a higher level as some of us have done it, and we wish him all the best.

"Sam has some raw talent but also some areas that he needs to work on but he has promised to come back to us one day – whether that be in five months, five years or ten years – and we hope that he does well."

Walker said: "This is the highest level I've played at so I'm excited.

"A few clubs were interested in me but once Huddersfield came in I knew exactly where I wanted to go."

Huddersfield, who have scoured the market for local talent, announced the signings of Jordan Wood and Joshua Bird at the same time as Walker, while AdamMalthouse had previously joined from Bradford & Bingley.

Huddersfield's head coach Gareth Lewis said: "We've been looking to recruit younger lads from a bit lower down the leagues to complement the more experienced players. We hope to have unearthed some hidden gems."

Keighley, who started pre-season training on Tuesday night, have also confirmed their pre-season schedule.

They will host North Ribblesdale on Saturday, August 16, and Kirkby Lonsdale a fortnight later, with both matches kicking off at 3pm.

Meanwhile, Keighley's second team will play Skipton's first team home and away next month, with Keighley travelling to Sandylands on Saturday, August 2 (3.00) and hosting the Yorkshire Division Four side on Tuesday, August 14 (6.30).