Tom Armstrong: Widnes Vikings sign Leigh Centurions centre for 2017 season

Tom Armstrong has a Masters degree in petroleum engineering

Widnes Vikings have signed centre Tom Armstrong from Championship leaders Leigh Centurions for the 2017 season.

Armstrong, 26, has agreed a two-year deal with the Vikings.

He began his career at St Helens and scored 16 tries in 29 games before stepping down from full-time rugby league in 2011 to complete a Masters in petroleum engineering.

During his studies, he played for Swinton and then Sheffield Eagles before joining Leigh in 2014.

"Tom has some great qualities to offer, great speed, durability and will add to the competition for places within the squad," said Widnes head coach Denis Betts.

The St Helens-born three-quarter, who can also play in the back row, has been a long-time target for Betts who tried to sign him from the Red Vee earlier in his career.

Armstrong added: "When he expressed an interest this time, he did so with a lot of knowledge of my game and style of play which instilled me with real confidence in making the transition back into Super League with the Vikings."