Long-serving Buchanan delighted to stay at Rams

Austin Buchanan has been granted a testimonial for his services to rugby and will remain with the Rams in 2015.

Buchanan is Dewsbury’s longest serving player having joined in 2007 and the winger has been rewarded for his services to the game by being awarded a three-month testimonial.

Buchanan admits he had no desire to leave the club and is looking forward to helping the Rams build on a successful campaign which saw them reach the Kingstone Press Championship semi-finals.

Buchanan said: “I had a couple of other offers, including one from overseas, but I never had any desire to go anywhere else. The club has become a second home to me.

“From the supporters, to the coaching staff and everyone else involved, I just enjoy being a part of it and I’m lucky that they seem to like having me around too.”

Rams chairman Mark Sawyer also paid tribute to the popular figure, adding: “Austin has been with us through thick and thin and I’m pleased he’s been rewarded with a testimonial.

“We are privileged to have had him at the club as long as we have and he’ll undoubtedly be keen to fight for a place in 2015.”

Buchanan is keen on hearing from supporters interested in being part of his testimonial committee, who are asked to give their details to the club on 01924 465489.

Dewsbury have allowed full-back Ricky Sheriff to leave the club following the culmination of his one-year deal.

Sheriff made nine appearances for the Rams, scoring three tries, before spending the latter part of the season on loan at Gateshead Thunder.

Former Hull FC prop Ewan Dowes, who joined the Rams in March and made 19 appearances, has retired from rugby league and will shortly begin a new job working in London.