NEWLY promoted Macclesfield have strengthened their side considerably with the signing of Manchester and England Counties star Dave Muckalt as player coach.

Muckalt, who is also rugby master at Manchester Grammar School, had already decided to leave Grove Park to spend more time with his young family and was looking for a local side to play for when approached by Macclesfield.

He will concentrate on the forwards with head coach and former Sale star Steve Rule working with the backs.

Dave said: "I am sorry to be leaving Manchester, but I didn't feel I was able to offer the commitment needed to continue playing at that level.

"I'm really looking forward to the new challenge at Macclesfield. Coaching a national Three side is a step up from school rugby but it is another step forward in my career.

"The lads at Priory Park have been working really hard, and I can already sense just how seriously they are taking things.

"It's a step up for them too, but from what I have seen, I think they can make an impression."

Muckalt will be joined by Manchester prop Rob Bieniasz as last season's Cheshire Cup winners bolster the pack ahead of the new season and the fresh challenge that comes with promotion.

The club, celebrating its 125th anniversary, have also just received a op prize from the Rugby Football Union.

They were the highest scorers in the RFU North Divisional table which awards points for community clubs who encourage participation, have high standards of coaching, plan to improve facilities and provide a safe environment for players and spectators.

Club secretary Alan Johnson said: "Everyone's working very hard and we've got a lot of people involved, so gradually all our plans are coming to fruition."

The club's most recent fundraising initiative has been to turn a badly drained area of the Priory Park site into a driving range for golfers.