Castleford Tigers star Chris Charles is to quit the British game to start a new life in France.
Castleford star turning French
Castleford Tigers loose forward Chris Charles is to quit the British game to start a new life in France.
The 31-year-old has announced his decision to leave the Jungle and move to France even if the Tigers do win promotion to the engage Super League.
The former Hull KR and Salford player has signed a two-year contract to become captain-coach of French Championship outfit Villeneuve and he will join up with the squad after the Co-operative National League One Grand Final next month in time for the start of the new league season.
The Tigers - who were relegated from the engage Super League 12 months ago - have won the National League this season and success in the play-offs will send them back to the top.
However Charles believes a move across the border is the right thing for him to do. "Castleford have ambitions to go up to the Super League," he said.
"But I'm 31 now and I'll be 32 at the start of next season and I don't think I can start playing at that level again."
Castleford Tigers kick off their play-off challenge at home against Widnes Vikings on Thursday September 20.
