Stags form Castle Hall Academy partnership

England and South Sydney Rabbitohs RL stars George and Tom Burgess studied at the academy and the Stags will use the venue for home matches and training next season.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be teaming up with such a well-known institution on the Mirfield map.

“The Academy provides us with an ideal playing and training base, both in the short and long term, while allowing us to create future pathways for students to join our junior ranks in the years ahead.

“The fact both George and Tom attended the Academy is a clear indication of Castle Hall’s rugby league pedigree and we would love nothing more than to nurture the stars of tomorrow.

“With the start of our inaugural season just around the corner, we realise the importance of providing our players with suitable facilities in order for them to deliver on-field success in 2015.

“Excellence is at the centre of everything we have done and we believe our partnership with Castle Hall Academy will enable us to develop into a real force within the community game.

“We feel sure the Academy will provide us with the perfect home for next season and beyond.”

Andy Pugh, Castle Hall Academy’s principal, has expressed his delight following the agreement of the partnership, adding: “It is fantastic to see Mirfield Stags choosing Castle Hall as its training and match venue.

“I know there is a lot of local interest in the new club and I wish the team and all of its supporters every success.”

Any players wishing to join the Stags are invited to attend next Friday’s (December 5) official club launch at The Railway pub in Mirfield, which will be attended by honorary president Robbie Hunter-Paul and the club’s soon-to-be unveiled head coach, and starts at 7.30pm.