YORK Knights have signed former England international Sam Wood from Castleford Tigers.
The 28-year-old becomes Mark Applegarth’s fourth new recruit ahead of the 2026 season, joining Paul Vaughan, Josh Griffin and Jordan Lipp in coming through the doors at the LNER Community Stadium.
Dewsbury-born Wood came through the academy system at Huddersfield Giants, making 52 Super League appearances for the club whilst also featuring for Oldham, Workington, Halifax, Batley and Dewsbury in a mix of dual registrations and loans.
He then moved to Hull KR ahead of the 2022 season, spending two years with the Robins before linking up with Castleford on a three-year deal ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Wood has impressed during his time with the Tigers. A stellar 2024 saw him establish himself as first-choice centre, and that year he also earned his only international cap for England against France in Toulouse.
He was named club captain for 2025, but though limited to just 17 appearances by injury, finished the year strongly for the West Yorkshire side, who allowed him to pursue an opportunity with York despite having one year still remaining on his contract.
Knights boss Mark Applegarth believes Wood will challenge first-choice pairing Kieran Buchanan and Oli Field for a starting shirt and hopes that the club can help him rediscover the form that led him to feature for his country.
“I’m delighted to get a player of that calibre,” the head coach enthused. “He’ll add some real quality and depth to the centre positions.
“A lot of the young lads can learn from him, and he’ll add that experience into our team.
“He was an England international only a couple of years ago, so it’s our job to help him unlock that form again and get his confidence back to where he’s used to it being.”
Wood scored six tries for Castleford, including this effort against Wakefield in April.(Image: PA)
And Wood is excited to hit the ground running with York as they prepare to head full-time from November.
“I’m really excited about joining such a great bunch of people on and off the field,” he explained.
“It’s a team that had such a brilliant season last year and is ambitious and passionate about getting better and progressing as a club.
“I can’t wait to get going!”
For the Knights, who won both the 1895 Cup and Championship League Leaders’ Shield in 2025, all attention now turns to whether they will play in the Super League next year.
Club IMG Grading rankings will be published on Thursday morning, with a panel decision on whether the top-flight will expand to 14 teams released on Friday.
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