YORK Acorn have announced that Leigh Paul-Rientoul will be staying on as head coach.

The former Great Britain amateur international was also recently appointed Yorkshire’s coach by the British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA).

Acorn were relegated from the National Conference League Premier Division last season but Paul-Rientoul is confident that his side will be challenging for an immediate return next season.

He will again be assisted by Tom Hill, who is also set to return to action as a player after injury problems last season.

“I am really happy and excited to be given another opportunity,” said Paul-Rientoul, who was promoted from his position as A team coach when Scott Rhodes stepped down last season.

“I always said that we needed to rebuild for this coming season and I am optimistic that we will be able to bounce back.”

Chairman Mick Lumby stepped into the breach last season but Acorn are now advertising for a new A team coach.

The successful candidate will work with the first-team staff on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at training while, on Saturday, they will manage and coach the second team.

There will be extra focus on youth development and Paul-Rientoul, still only 29, will also be working with the club’s youth players to introduce an attractive brand of attacking rugby and develop the club’s coaching system.

Stuart Garrington, owner of Ebor Fitness in Fulford and a former Mr Universe, has also joined the club as a strength and conditioning coach.

Acorn are looking to appoint extra physios for the senior sides and a number of vacancies have also arisen for youth and junior coaching roles.

Anyone wanting more information should contact Alan Havercroft on 07429 759511 or email: alan@yorkacorn.co.uk.