GB's Hawkins and Larsson on the Move

GREAT Britain winger Mark Hawkins and right back Steven Larsson have both signed for new clubs as their development into World-class handball players continues.

Hawkins, 25 and from Horsham in Sussex, is moving to Iceland to play for UMF Afturelding in the country’s top league. The move comes a year ahead of the London Olympics and follows three years playing for HK Aarhus Nord in Denmark.

And Larsson, who lives in Norway but has family in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, has been snapped up by Norwegian professional club Drammen HK.

Several international stars like Frode Hagen, Glenn Solberg and Kristian Kjelling have played at Drammen, and last year they finished second in the top Norwegian league.

“Last year they were second in the league, so this year we are hoping to be in the top three again,” said 30-year-old Larsson, pictured right. “But a lot of professional players have come back to the Norwegian League this year so it’s going to be a tough season.

“Hopefully we will have many good games, and we have also qualified for the European Cup so it will be a good build up for me towards London 2012.”

Meanwhile Hawkins, pictured left, said: “It's a fantastic opportunity to play in the top league of such a strong country. They develop so many good players physically and technically. It will be a great place to showcase myself.

“To be involved in a professional environment and playing for a team used to developing players will improve my game before next summer.”