Barrow Raiders sign Venter and Nixon for 2012 season

Nixon has scored 129 tries during his Raiders career

Barrow Raiders have signed Kendal rugby union prop forward Andries Venter and agreed a new deal for Scotland international wing James Nixon.

Venter, 23, joins former Furness team-mate Mike Botes at Craven Park for the 2012 Championship One season.

"Andries is a fit, mobile forward who can do the hard yards," director of rugby Mike Sunderland said.

"If Nixon can reproduce his form of 2009 then we can look forward to a good try haul this season."

Nixon, 26, joined Raiders in 2004 from amateur side Dalton, and is the eight most most prolific try-scorer in Barrow rugby league history, with 126 in 149 appearances.

"I am fully aware of the qualities of both players," said head coach Darren Holt.

"Nixon is a finisher and on form he will feature in the top try scorer stakes in any given season.

"Venter is strong and has a good defence."