Castleford Tigers: Hampshire joins Tigers on loan from Wigan

Hampshire, 20, is a product of the Normanton Knights community club and has made 25 Super League appearances for Wigan since his debut in 2013.

He has signed a new contract with Wigan until the end of 2018 and the loan deal includes an emergency clause allowing them to recall him in the event of a "significant" injury to one of their half-backs or full-backs.

As part of the clause, Hampshire would return to Castleford when the injured player regains fitness.

"I'm delighted to be spending 2016 back in West Yorkshire with the Tigers and being around my family and friends a lot more,” Hampshire said.

“The chance to work under [Cas coach] Daryl Powell and play regular first team rugby is really exciting.

“I'm looking forward to meeting up with my new teammates and being in a new environment."

Powell said: “I am delighted Ryan has agreed to join us, in what is a crucial year in the team’s further development.

“He will provide great competition at half-back and full-back. His speed and elusive qualities will really add to our team's attacking threats.”

The move has come on the day Wigan revealed their newly re-signed full-back Sam Tomkins will be sidelined until Easter following knee surgery.

Wigan rugby director Kris Radlinski said: “We considered extensively the option of Ryan replacing the injured Sam Tomkins, but decided against that route in view of Ryan's clear positional preference and the development benefits of a full year at Castleford.

“Castleford are a professional, caring club and we are confident they will look after and develop further one of our future stars.”