KEIGHLEY Cougars Women have signed England international Claire Garner from Bradford Bulls.

Garner, a police helicopter pilot by trade, only began playing rugby league in 2016 but impressed enough with Bulls to earn an England squad spot in last year's World Cup in Australia.

During her three seasons at Odsal, the half-back played her part in the Bulls' Super League and Challenge Cup double success in 2017.

Keighley head coach Dean Muir said: “To sign a player of Claire’s calibre shows the ambition of not just the women’s team but Keighley Cougars as a club.

“When I spoke with Claire, she was really enthusiastic and bought into the long term vision and aims of the club on and off the field and that is the sort of player and person I want to have within my team and within the club.

“Her experience and leadership qualities will rub off on the women as we have a lot of younger players who have really bright futures in the game and having a player of Claire’s calibre leading them round the field will only improve them."

Muir added: “I also have to thank the owner as his drive and ambition for the women’s team and the club as a whole is making the ability to sign the likes of Claire possible.

“As a coach in both my previous spell with the club and since I came back to the Cougars, I’ve never received the level of support and backing as I am getting now and it will only take the club both on and off the field to the next level.”

Garner also plays rugby union for West Park Leeds through the winter season alongside a number of her England team-mates.