Ilkley have signed former Zurich Premiership flanker Neil Spence.

The 34-year-old Hull-born back-rower, who played for Rotherham at the top level in 2000-01 and 2003-04, has moved to Stacks Field from Otley.

Yorkshire county player Spence, who represented his country at under-18 and England Counties level, was on loan at Cross Green from Rotherham.

Unfortunately he has played little for either club because of a lack of opportunities and the weather. Now he is just looking forward to some game-time.

The former Bradford & Bingley player, who lives in Eldwick, said: “This will probably be my last move.

“For whatever reason, things have not happened for me at either Rotherham or Otley this season.

“I had a successful pre-season trial with Rotherham but never had the opportunities there that I would have liked, and Otley didn’t use me once they got some players back from injury, so I have spent a lot of time on the bench this season.

“Now I am just looking forward to playing again – starting with Bradford Salem on Saturday, where I will be reacquainting myself with former Bradford & Bingley coach Robin Kay.

“The aim for the rest of the season is to keep Ilkley in Yorkshire Division One, although of course we are cast adrift at the moment .

“That is because of the five league points we have been deducted for fielding an ineligible player, but we have proved that we can win this season.”

Spence, who works for the Rugby Football Union as a Community Ruby Coach, has also played for Harrogate and Hull, had a player-coach role with the Bees but says that he is merely a player at the moment.

“Hamish (Pratt) hasn’t said anything to me about coaching, although, of course, I would help out if it was necessary.

“But for the moment I just want to concentrate on playing, and I feel I can bring something to Ilkley with all my experience.

“My body is in good shape as I had a good pre-season. What happens beyond the end of the season is more unclear but I would be quite happy to be at Ilkley long enough for my son Zac, who is a 13-month-old ‘lunatic’, to play there in the minis They have a great junior set-up.”