Young Dewsbury and Bradford stars make their way to Batley as trio also commit to 2027
More signings for 2027 have been announced by Batley Bulldogs.
James Ford’s squad for the upcoming new season is starting to take shape with two new signings being announced this week, as well as a trio of players staying put at Mount Pleasant.
Jack Briggs has joined from local rivals Dewsbury Rams, while Joel Walsh arrives from Bradford Bulls to boost the ranks.
In addition to the young pair putting pen to paper on deals at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, winger Derrell Olpherts and forwards Evan Hodgson and Ronan Dixon will also be playing in the cerise, gold, and white colours again next season.
Promising young prop Briggs has been a key fixture in the Rams’ pack over the last three campaigns while Walsh is fresh off an outstanding season where he was named the Bulls’ Reserves Players’ Player of the Year.
Ford told Batley’s social media accounts: “Joel is another young, athletic and driven outside back, who will challenge a number of individuals in similar situations for a slot in our 17.
“We were impressed with Joel’s ability to beat defenders and his natural attacking instincts in the games we watched.
“We were all impressed with Joel’s desire to improve, win a place in our 17 and establish himself as a Championship rugby player.”
Olpherts, Hodgson and Dixon will all be entering into their second season with the club having made their debut campaigns in 2026, in which Olpherts scored 11 tries in 19 appearances, Hodgson proved a mainstay of the pack by featuring 28 times, and Dixon crossing for four tries in 13 games.