News
New Website Coming Soon !
3 weeks ago
17 October 2017
We are thrilled to announce our first external signing ahead of the 2018 Championship season!
Joining us from Hunslet is international half-back Danny Ansell, who has just been selected alongside our own Rhodri Lloyd for the Welsh 2017 World Cup squad. Danny owes his qualification for Wales to his grandmother, but there is no doubt that he is extremely proud of his Welsh roots.
Danny made his full Welsh international debut in October 2016, during a 20-14 success over Italy at Monza. This was a monumental day for Wales RL because it was this victory which booked them their place at this year’s World Cup.
26 year old Danny is a native of Wakefield and cut his teeth with Stanley Rangers. At the age of 16 he joined the Huddersfield Giants’ Academy set up, before being transferred to his home town club Wakefield Trinity three years later. After a couple of seasons at Belle Vue he joined Hunslet, where he has since emerged as that club’s key play-maker from stand-off.
Although Danny is currently all geared up for the World Cup, he can’t wait to get down to business at Heywood Road. He said, “I am absolutely thrilled to have signed for Swinton Lions and to be back playing in the Championship. As soon as I spoke to Stuart Littler I couldn’t wait to sign. I’m looking forward to meeting the Swinton boys and getting started for next season.”
Head Coach Stuart Littler said of his new half-back, “Danny Ansell comes to us from Hunslet and is highly recommended. He is well regarded by his coaches and his playing peers. He is in the Wales World Cup squad and I’m really excited at the prospect of seeing him next year in a Swinton shirt. Danny has a great kicking game and will direct us well around the park. I am looking forward to seeing him play alongside some of our edge players where we will have some real strike threat.”
Lions’ Chairman Andy Mazey added, “We are delighted to have secured Danny’s services. We worked hard to conclude a deal prior to him flying out to Australia on international duty for the World Cup with Wales. Danny didn’t need much convincing to join the New Era here at Swinton and is relishing the opportunity of a return to the Championship in 2018.”
Welcome to Swinton Lions Danny!