Pete Drysdale will miss Scholes’ double-header against Elland and Kirkburton this weekend – to watch brother Mahe go for a fifth World Rowing Championships title in Holland.

The 25-year-old left-hander – a big hit at Chapelgate this season with 788 runs at 49.25 – is in Amsterdam to see his Olympic champion sibling, 10 years his senior, go for another single sculls crown.

“My mum and sister are also there to watch, so it will be a great family occasion, and we are just keeping our fingers crossed that Mahe can win again and set a new record for titles,” said Drysdale, who previously had two seasons with Shelley in the Drakes Huddersfield League and, last season, played with Spondon in Derbyshire.

“I will be back at the club on Sunday evening to enjoy some time with the boys and also to say my farewells, as I’m returning to New Zealand to get ready for our season back home.

“It’s been fantastic at Scholes, it’s a terrific club with great people, and I’d like to thank everyone for their help, friendship and support.”

Brother Mahe carried the flag for New Zealand at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing but was hit by illness before the final and eventually took bronze, but he won gold at London 2012.

Seven times the national champion in the event, he first won the World title in Japan in 2005, after switching to the single event from the coxless fours.

He also holds the world record of six minutes 33.35sec for the single sculls event.

Another overseas signing who has already returned Down Under is Honley’s Jak Jowett.

The 19-year-old left-arm opening bowler was signed from second-grade cricket with St Kilda Cricket Club in Melbourne and, after taking time to adjust to English conditions, has taken 27 wickets at 31.30, bowling 213.2 overs.