Popular veteran prop forward Kris Coward has committed to another year with Whitehaven.

The former Hensingham amateur, who spent 10 years with Workington Town, is preparing for his third season at the Recreation Ground. Coward has agreed a new one-year deal with Haven after first signing for the club ahead of the 2018 season.

He had started his professional career in 2007 with Town and went on to play 189 games for the Derwent Park club. Although 38 now, Coward still retains his enthusiasm for the game.

Last season, Coward made 21 appearances, with 20 of them being starts in the front row and he scored two League One tries.

After agreeing his new deal, Coward said: “I’ve enjoyed my time at Whitehaven over the last couple of seasons.

“We did really well last season to do what we did and I think we’ll give it a good go in the Championship.

“A lot of the lads have Championship experience and we have some young lads that are more than capable of stepping up to it. It will be good to test ourselves against better opposition.”

Head coach Gary Charlton said: “Kris had a very good season after getting himself really fit.

“To be fair, he played most games and it’s great that he’s decided to go round again.

“He brings a lot of experience and enthusiasm to the team and his size in the middle helps put us on the front foot.”

Chairman Tommy Todd was also delighted that Coward had re-signed for another season.

Todd said: “We all know that he is at the veteran stage, but he still brings something to the game and I thought he had an excellent 2019 in League One.

“Everyone knows it’s going to be tough in the Championship but experienced players like Kris are going to be so important.”