Huddersfield Rugby Union Club have lost the services of new signing Elliot Cosgrove for a month.
But they have found an immediate replacement in Nick Rawsthorne.
Utility back Cosgrove has made a big impact for the Lockwood Park club since making a short-term rugby league winter switch from Keighley Cougars.
His performances with the Championship Cougars have, however, earned him a call-up to the Ireland squad for the European Championship campaign, which gets under way tonight.
Huddersfield hope to get Cosgrove back at the end of the tournament, when he’ll be looking to build on his four strong substitute appearances so far.
But with the arrival of former England Under 16s and Under 17s winger/full-back Rawsthorne on a dual registration from Yorkshire Carnegie, Huddersfield head coach Gareth Lewis knows the blow of Cosgrove’s departure has been softened significantly.
“It’s disappointing to lose Elliot, because he’s been adapting well to rugby union,” said Lewis.
“But he’s certainly going off with Ireland with our full blessing. Opportunities to represent your country in competitions like this don’t come along very often, and we’re all delighted for him.
“At the end of the day, his rugby league commitments are his bread and butter, and no-one here is surprised he’s jumped at the chance to join up with Ireland.
“Fortunately for us, we have been able to plug the gap left by Elliot very quickly by getting Nick from Yorkshire Carnegie.
“He did have offers to join other clubs in our division, but coming to Huddersfield was his first choice. The fact he’s a Halifax-based player may have contributed to that, although I know he was also impressed with everything else we had to offer.
“He trained with us for the first time the other night, and he quickly showed what a talented player he is. He’s sharp, has quick feet and will add a tremendous amount to our backline.
“It’s pretty exciting to get him on board.”
The 18-year-old will make his National II North debut at home to Hull on Saturday from the bench, with in-form Falcons winger Sam Walker getting the nod to start in the continuing absence of broken toe victim Elliot Hodgson.
Walker has scored five tries in his club’s last two second-team games, with his coaches believing now is the time for him to step up.
