JOSH SQUIRE may step up his recovery from a serious knee injury by playing rugby league for the new North Devon Raiders team.

The young Barnstaple fly-half has not played since damaging cruciate knee ligaments in October 2008.

He has been told he cannot play union this season but could work on his fitness in the summer code.

Kevin Squire, the Barum director of rugby and Josh's father, said: "Josh is still doing bike work and has been told he can't play at all this season.

"But he will be fit around April and there's a very good chance he will play a season of rugby league to get his match fitness up."

Two more Barum injury victims are planning to make comebacks for the Development XV at Ivybridge on Saturday.

Back-row Jamie Arnold (dislocated elbow) and utility back Grant Tuhakaraina (Achilles) were both hurt in the defeat at Weston-super-Mare in October.

"I'm sure Jamie and Grant will be playing in the Development side if their game goes ahead," said Squire.

"You can't ignore talent like those two and to have them back before the end of the season would be a real bonus."