York City Knights have signed centre Adam Jones from Castleford Tigers for the 2009 season.

The 18-year-old is a former York Acorn junior and England Under-15 and Under-16 schoolboy international.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: "We're delighted Adam has agreed to join the club.

"Being a local player, we have been monitoring Adam's progress for the past few years and his time at Castleford has certainly improved him."

Wilson added: "For an 18-year-old he is extremely strong and will be a key addition to the squad for us next season."

Jones has been with the Tigers for the past three seasons and has been a key member of both their under-18 and under-21 teams.

He had an option to stay at Castleford but decided to move on and challenge for regular first-team rugby with opportunities limited at the Super League club.

Wilson said the signing came as a result of a good relationship between the clubs.

"Ever since the Dwain Chambers game we have kept in regular contact with the Tigers and that has seen the likes of Tom Haberecht and Nathan Massey join the Knights," he added.

"We'll continue to work with Castleford, who have one of the best youth development programmes around, and hopefully we can offer more of their talented young players the chance of some first-team rugby next season, which will only benefit them further down the line."