Cornwall RLFC have signed Tom Ashton - a strong centre from Rochdale Hornets.

The 30-year-old has penned an 18-month contract at the Memorial Ground and joins the Choughs for an undisclosed fee.

He becomes the second player to join Cornwall before Saturday's Betfred League 1 clash against West Wales Raiders. Along with Charley Bodman, Salford born Ashton is available for the Stebonheath Park clash.

Ashton started the season as a regular with Rochdale and bagged a fine hat-trick in the away triumph at London Skolars. However, in recent weeks he hasn't featured for the Spotland outfit and leaves the Hornets after 18 months playing for Matt Calland's side.

Prior to plying his trade for Rochdale, Ashton has previously represented Hunslet, Oldham, Dewsbury and Sheffield Eagles. He also spent his formative years playing rugby union in the academy structure at Sale Sharks.

And after his move to Cornwall was rubber-stamped, Ashton revealed that Cornwall coach Neil Kelly was a big factor in his decision to move to the Duchy.

"Neil was a huge pulling point," he told cornwallrlfc.co.uk. "I played for him at Dewsbury and after I recovered from a bad knee injury, he put trust in me.

"Neil then left to pursue other things but we remained in touch as I always had his number. Things weren't right for me this season so this move to Cornwall is a bit of a no-brainer for me.

"I have spent some time in Cornwall on holiday and I know what a beautiful part of the world it is. The people are very passionate about their rugby and by signing for 18-months, there is some continuity for me and the club also.

"The security of playing for next year and hearing the club's plans was a good selling point for both parties. I'm a hard running centre and whilst I might not dazzle anyone with my pace, I am powerful and looking forward to running through players and getting my offload game going in a Cornwall shirt."

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