TIM Atkins has become the second player to leave Reading HC for league rivals Surbiton.

The Scotland defender follows forward Ben Boon as he is looking for a “new challenge," although it is understood work issues were also behind his decision.

He said: “Surbiton is a fantastic club with a great atmosphere and I have always enjoyed playing away fixtures at Sugden Road.

“The success of the club in the last few years for both men and women has been amazing to see, and something that I would like to contribute towards in the future.”

Atkins, 28, who was a junior at Wallingford HC, has also played for Team Bath Buccaneers and Richmond, in addition to playing in Australia for Essendon and in Croatia for HAHK Mladost.

He has won 16 caps for Scotland and was a member of the EuroHockey Championship 2 squad which won promotion in Glasgow last year, together with four of the current Surbiton squad.

Atkins is also an ambassador for Diabetes UK, having been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2012.

Relishing the opportunity to play in the Euro Hockey League next season, Atkins commented: “I am looking forward to the prospect of an exciting new challenge and the chance to test myself against Europe’s best in the EHL.”

Surbiton head coach Mark Pearn said: “I am delighted Tim has chosen Surbiton to be his next club and that he is excited by the challenges we have next season in retaining our National title and establishing ourselves on the European stage.”

“Not only will he bring a quality and commitment with his defensive work, but he is an attack-minded and positive player on the ball, which fits naturally with how we like to approach every game.”