Hemel Stags to train in Dewsbury as Rams link up with Wakefield

Hemel Stags are to move their training base 165 miles to Dewsbury, who have also announced a dual-registration agreement with Super League neighbours Wakefield.

The Stags, who have struggled since making the step up to the semi-professional Kingstone Press League 1 in 2013, will continue to play their home games in Hemel Hempstead but say training in the north will give them access to a more professional environment and a bigger pool of players in the game's heartland.

Both sets of players will train together and be eligible to swap teams as part of their dual-registration agreement.

The announcement comes as work starts on improvements to The Tetley's Stadium which include the construction of a second full-size playing area and two more all-weather pitches.

Dewsbury chairman Mark Sawyer said: "This is a truly exciting development for Dewsbury Rams and for Hemel Stags and one which I am confident will reap dividends for both clubs."

Wakefield shelved plans to share Dewsbury's ground in 2017 after reaching an agreement in principle to stay at Belle Vue but they will make players available to the Championship club after the Rams scrapped their reserve team and switched their dual-registration agreement from Bradford.

Sawyer said: "We understand that there is a negative perception from some quarters linked to some other clubs' dual-registration arrangements but I can assure fans that this arrangement will harness the benefits the concept can offer."

Wakefield chairman Michael Carter said: "We have an excellent relationship with Mark and the Rams that has built up over the last two years.

"We think it will be beneficial for the growth and development of some of our players next year to be involved in Championship rugby league."