Workington Town have signed Barrow full-back Ryan Fieldhouse on a two-year deal.

Fieldhouse played for Championship outfit Barrow for three season after signing from Dewsbury, and scored 41 tries in 80 appearances for the Cumbrians.

He said: "I had three great years at Barrow, winning promotion and playing in a great team.

"I was approached by a number of Championship clubs but, when Town approached me, and I spoke with the coaches about the team they were putting together, I jumped at the chance.

"Town went so close [to promotion] last season and the chance to win more silverware, and the chance to help get the club back up to where they belong, is a great opportunity."

"The club seems to do all the right things on and off the pitch and I can’t wait to get started," he added.

"I’m really looking forward to the new season and can’t wait to meet all the boys next week for the start of pre-season.

"I’m very grateful for the opportunity with Workington and everyone I’ve met so far has made me feel very welcome."

Town director of rugby Les Ashe also expects Fieldhouse to be a real asset as Workington target promotion to the Championship after narrowly missing out this campaign, losing 27-8 to Bradford Bulls and then 33-20 to Swinton Lions close in the Championship decider.

He said: "Ryan is a vastly-experienced player who is very quick, has great hands and supports the ball very well.

"He scored 41 tries in 80 appearances at Barrow and created plenty of tries, linking into the line.

"He’s going to be a real asset to the team we’re assembling and will make a real impact.

"Welcome to Town, Ryan, and we look forward to seeing you in the blue V."

Barrow coach Paul Crarey, the former Whitehaven and Cumbria coach, believes that Fieldhouse could be the man to help Workington secure promotion to the Championship in 2019.

"Ryan was very good for us in the three years he was with us, and was very professional," he said.

"We wish him all the very best of luck with Town.

"I personally had a very good relationship with him.

"He talks a good game and, with the squad they are putting together, he’ll be the one to help them get over the line."

Fieldhouse’s confirmed Town team-mates for next year include Andrew Dawson, Karl Olstrom, siblings Kurt and Gordon Maudling, and Tom Curwen.

Ryan is the son of former GB and Warrington forward John Fieldhouse.