Welsh international halfback Elliott Jenkins has committed his future to North Wales Crusaders, signing a contract for the 2020 season.
Jenkins, who made his Wales debut during last autumn’s successful 2021 World Cup qualification campaign, had two spells with Crusaders in 2019.
After initially joining on a one-month loan from Rochdale Hornets, the 20-year-old was recalled by the then Championship club, but he was later released and rejoined North Wales at the back end of the campaign.
Jenkins scored once in four appearances and offered plenty of versatility, covering at fullback on two occasions because of injury.
On extending his stay at Crusaders, Jenkins said: “I’m made up to get the deal sorted and stay at the club for another year.
“Muzza (head coach Anthony Murray) is a really good coach and it’s been great to work under him.
“Muzza and Andy Moulsdale have both been brilliant with me as, even when I took some time away, they stayed in contact to see how I was doing.
“Everything added up so it was an easy decision to stay.
“The club are moving in the right direction and, if we can recruit well in the right areas, I think we can kick on next season.
“We picked up some big scalps in 2019 so we need to be pushing for those play-offs in 2020.”
With the 2021 World Cup just over two years away, Jenkins believes it will be important for him to get regular game time next term.
He said: “I’ve still got a lot to learn and, if I want to be involved with Wales, I need to be playing consistently well.
“It’s a big thing for me as still a relatively young halfback to be playing on a regular basis.”
