YORK Knights have announced their first signing for the 2025 season, with former England international Paul McShane being added to the squad.

McShane has penned a two-year deal with the Knights after ending his exemplary service with Castleford Tigers last season, having made over 200 appearances across over ten seasons with the Betfred Super League outfit.

The club have also confirmed that McShane will work alongside Head Coach Mark Applegarth as a part of York's coaching staff.

McShane's career started at Leeds Rhinos, where progressed through their academy and was involved in the 2012 World Club Challenge victory over Manly-Warringah from the bench.

The 34-year-old would have loan spells with Hull FC, Widnes Vikings and Hunslet Hawks, making a combined 16 appearances, before joining Wakefield Trinity on a permanent deal in 2014.

He would go on to make 51 appearances for Wakefield, before switching to Castleford in 2015.

McShane established himself whilst with the Tigers, earning two England caps and being named as the Man of Steel in 2020.

He also lifted the Super League League Leaders Shield in 2017, as well as reaching the Super League Grand Final in the same year.

McShane's minutes with Castleford fainted with injuries, limiting his time on the pitch in the last two seasons, with the Tigers confirming that he would retire from full-time rugby in early September.

Speaking on his move, McShane commented: "It's really exciting. It's a new challenge and the role I'm going in to is something I've wanted to do for a long time.

"It's a great opportunity at a good club, with a good team and a good coaching set up already in place.

"They're ambitious and want to push for Super League. If I can play a part in that, that'll be great."

Applegarth added on his first addition for the 2025 season: "I’m really delighted to have Paul on board.

"I'm really looking forward to working with him and helping get him started on his professional coaching journey as well.

"First and foremost, we’ve signed him as a player. He’s still got some quality years ahead of him.

"He’s been there and done it all in terms of what he’s achieved in his role at Castleford.

"He’ll add a lot of leadership to the team. He’ll be a mentor for a lot of our younger players.

"He also knows the standard needed to achieve at top level rugby, so I’m absolutely delighted to have Paul on board."