Ilkley have recruited a Kiwi prop to boost their squad for the new Yorkshire One campaign.

Twenty-four-year-old Chad Harris from Havelock North will arrive at Stacks Field two days before the opening fixture at home to Doncaster Phoenix.

His presence will bolster Ilkley’s front-row resources which have been hit by injury to Josh Cockerham.

He has a neck problem which requires surgery and he is likely to miss much of the campaign which is a blow after the form he showed last season.

Ilkley’s head of rugby Rhys Morgan said: “It will be interesting to see how Chad performs when he arrives.

“He was recommended to us and now it is up to him to show what he can do.

“It is good to have competition in the front row because Josh Cockerham’s injury is a real blow. He went well last season and was one of our unsung heroes.

“He was a consistent performer who got around the field like an extra wing forward. He is still training with us and I have asked him to stay involved with the group.”

Ilkley will be stepping up their preparations for the Yorkshire Shield tie at Knottingley on August 31 with a friendly against Otley Saracens on Saturday..

“We are using it as a training day for all our squad,” said Morgan.

“We will do some work in the morning and then play the game in the afternoon.

“This will be a chance to get some game time for our players ahead of the Shield game which is important for us.”

The match could mark the return of number eight Stewart Brewer who has rejoined the club after a spell with Bradford & Bingley.

Morgan will be looking to give the experienced Alastair Monks more time in the stand-off position while skipper Stuart Vincent will have a run out too.