Whitehaven have continued their squad building for the new season by retaining another of their promising younger players.

Following the midweek announcement over Jake Moore, the Recreation Ground club have now done a deal with his fellow second-rower Connor Holliday.

The 24-year-old former Kells’ amateur was involved in 22 of Haven’s matches in their League One title-winning season just completed.

He scored two tries and landed 42 goals, as well as one field goal and established himself as an important member of the match-day squad.

During the season Holliday reached his century of appearances for the club since making his debut in 2015. He is now up to 108 appearances in the Chocolate, Blue and Gold colours.

His versatility has seen him play second row, centre and on the wing over the last five seasons and his emergence as a goal kicker alongside Jake Moore and Jordan Burns this season has added another string to his bow.

After agreeing a new 12-months extension to his contract Holliday said: “I’m really pleased to have signed for another year. I could never see myself going anywhere else, because it’s not an option really.

“I enjoyed last season and I’m looking forward to starting pre-season. It will be tough in the Championship and we’ll need to step-up but I think we’ll go alright.”

Whitehaven’s head coach Gary Charlton is encouraged by how the squad is coming together and after Holliday’s re-signing he said: “Naturally I’m pleased Connor has signed on again because he’s a good, local lad, who is still young and has the right work ethic.

“He’s one of those who trains hard and looks after himself and the fact that he plays in different positions is great for us as he gives us a number of options.

“We saw this year how he got better as the season went on and hopefully he’ll kick on again next season in the Championship.“

Whitehaven chairman Tommy Todd added: “We have adopted a policy of signing locally-based players, which served us well last season. It is what we intend to keep on doing.

“Therefore, it’s especially pleasing when young men like Connor, who have proved themselves, want to stay and progress with us at the club.

“He’s the type of player we want at Whitehaven.

“And I am confident he is going to progress and adapt well to the challenges of the Championship ahead.”