LLOYD SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH LIONS
17 October 2018
The club can confirm that Welsh international Rhodri Lloyd has signed a contract extension through to the end of the 2020 season.
Swinton Lions are delighted to announce that second-rower and Wales international Rhodri Lloyd has signed a contract extension with the Lions, which will see him in blue until 2020.
The club secured their place in the 2019 Championship season following a 33-20 victory over Workington Town in the Play-Off on the weekend, which saw the Welshman score two tries.
Swinton Lions’ board, including Chairman Andy Mazey, have been working hard with the squad following the result and are pleased to announce the extension of Lloyd on a two-year deal.
The makeshift centre scored seven tries in the 2018 season and claimed a trio of awards recently at the Player’s Presentation Evening, including; ‘Supporter’s Player of the Year’, ‘Coaches’ Player of the Year’ and ‘Player’s Player’.
The 25-year-old heads into the autumn on international duty with the Dragons for their upcoming matches in the European Championship against France, Scotland and Stuart Littler’s Ireland.
“AN EASY DECISION FOR ME”
Lloyd made his debut for Wigan in 2012, and has also appeared on loan for London Broncos and Widnes. He began the 2015 campaign with the Lions on loan from the Warriors, but was subsequently recalled by Wigan before spending further loan periods with Whitehaven and Workington Town. Rhodri returned on a permanent deal for the 2016 season and has now enjoyed three outstanding full campaigns with Swinton.
On the announcement of his contract extension with the club, Lloyd said: “I’m over the moon to extend my stay at Swinton. The fans, coaching staff and the Board of Directors have been amazing since the day I started nearly four years ago.
“The vision of the club going forward, combined with Andy and Stuart’s leadership, has made this an easy decision for me. Roll on 2019.”
Stuart Littler, who has coached Lloyd since taking over from John Duffy, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be able to announce our first re signing. It’s a major one for the club but also for me as a coach.
“Rhod Lloyd has epitomised the character we need at this club throughout this season. This was celebrated with him winning our player of the year and the players player awards. These rewards were richly deserved and Rhod is definitely a fans favourite.
“What people may not know is how Rhod has put his body on the line selflessly for both myself and the badge. This will always be much appreciated by us all and this contract renewal is well earned. Thanks Rhod and best of luck in the upcoming internationals.”
“THIS DEAL IS A BIG STATEMENT FROM OUR CLUB”
Chairman Andy Mazey also added: “I couldn’t think of a better way to commence our preparations for 2019 than securing the services of our 2018 player of the year and one of the best Centre’s in the Championship competition.”
“Rhodri was attracting lots of interest from some top clubs and had some very lucrative offers on the table elsewhere so this deal is a big statement from our club.
Rhodri is a fans favorite and has led by example this year and is fully behind what we are doing. I’m sure our supporters will be delighted that we have been able to secure Rhodri with Swinton Lions for the next two years.”
