FORMER Premiership fly-half Declan Cusack has joined York RUFC as part of their coaching staff ahead of the new season which begins next month.

Cusack joins the club as their attack and backs player coach having previously served as the coach of Doncaster Knights.

The 31-year-old has previously featured for Pro12 side Munster as well as Championship clubs Plymouth Albion and Doncaster before making a loan move to Premiership outfit Leicester Tigers last year.

York have also seen several new additions join the club over the off-season.

These include the six-time capped Hong Kong international John Aikman, former Northallerton captain Jonathan Frank and New Zealander Cade Robinson from Scarborough.

Further additions to Clifton Park include second row Oliver Rupp from Consett RFC and winger Will Targett-Parker from University of York RUFC.

The new season begins with an away game at Driffield RUFC on Saturday September 7 before the first home fixture against Morley RFC a week later.

For anyone interested, senior men’s training and touch rugby takes place on Tuesday at 7.00pm, senior women’s training is on Wednesday’s at 7.00pm and senior men’s is on Thursday at 7.00pm.

Elsewhere, Pocklington RUFC director of rugby Tony Penn has hailed the club’s young players during their pre-season preparations, which included featuring in a six-team Alnwick tournament.

"What's been really encouraging has been the numbers and attitude of the Colts that have come down recently,” he said.

“Some good young players stepped up in the later stages of last season, and it's been refreshing that the next group of Colts have followed them over the summer.

“If we can keep them all together the future looks bright."