JAMES Feather has made a shock departure from Keighley Cougars and joined newly-promoted Hunslet Hawks – with David March moving in the opposite direction.

Long-serving hooker Feather, who has spent the past decade at Cougar Park and was awarded a testimonial last year, was expected to stay at his hometown club in the wake of their relegation.

But he will now head to South Leeds outfit Hunslet and become reunited with former Cougars boss Barry Eaton, currently the Hawks’ head coach.

Feather, who made 18 appearances for Cougars in 2014, scoring eight tries, said: “I’m really looking forward to a new challenge at Hunslet and working under Barry Eaton again.

“It’s going to be an exciting but challenging year playing in the Championship and I can’t wait to get started.”

Hunslet director of rugby Darren Williams said: “We're delighted to finally get 'Buster' to join the club. We have been long-time admirers of his but it’s been hard convincing him to leave his hometown club.

“That was fully understandable given the commitment he’s given the club and the fact that he had a well-deserved testimonial.

“He obviously has a great relationship with Barry Eaton, who knows him well, and James is excited linking up with him again.”

But Cougars player-coach Paul March has been reunited with his twin brother David after signing him on a one-year deal for next season.

March skippered Hunslet to promotion earlier this month with a win over Oldham in the Championship One play-off final at Headingley.

He said: “I’m delighted to be joining up with Paul again.

“He had a very good squad last year and was unlucky to be relegated.

"But most of the squad are staying and I’m looking forward to been part of something special next year.”

Cougars boss March said: “I’ve been wanting David to join us since I took over as coach.”

Meanwhile, Cougars' Elliott Cosgrove has been named in a 29-man train-on squad for Ireland's European Championship campaign.

The winger, who has been capped five times, is joined in the squad by former Bulls Jobe Murphy (Dewsbury Rams) and Michael Platt (Leigh Centurions) and former Bulls loanee Danny Bridge (Warrington Wolves).