Harrogate winger Sam Bottomley leaves for coaching chance at Doncaster Phoenix

Bottomley has been a popular figure at Rudding Lane over the last few years and was a pivotal part of Harrogate's Yorkshire Cup double.

He will take up a coaching role in Phoenix's academy.

The back's exit follows the departures of Callum Irvine and Lewis Minikin to Hull Ionians, which was announced at the end of the season.

It also comes as a massive blow to new director of rugby Dave Doherty who has taken over from Mike Aspinall.

Doherty, who is taking his new squad on a training camp to Ireland this week, said: “I had a really good chat for Sam, and I do think it's better for him.

“He will be a huge loss. Psychologically for the team he was a big player and someone I really respected. He really galvanised the team and we will be looking to make sure some body can fill his shoes.”