Naylor joins Blue Sox

Jim Naylor returns to the place of his birth

Halifax Blue Sox have signed England A rugby union winger Jim Naylor on loan from Newcastle Falcons.

The 26-year-old Naylor, who made a try-scoring debut for Halifax's second team in an Alliance match against Wigan at Orrell on Wednesday evening, is Halifax born and began his rugby career in the West Yorkshire town with Old Crossleyans.

He spent four seasons with Orrell before joining Newcastle in 1997 and played in their championship-winning team of 1997-98. He has made six appearances for England A.

Halifax are also hoping to sign Hull's goalkicking loose forward Rob Roberts, despite a "hands-off" warning from the East Yorkshire club.