KRIS Stafford has been revealed as Old Otliensians new coach.

He takes over from John Walker who signed off after seven years by guiding the Yorkshire Three club to victories in the Aire Wharfe and Yorkshire Silver Trophy finals.

And Stafford is hoping to build on the successes of his predecessor at Chaffers Field.

Stafford, who played for Stockton, Ilkley and West Park Leeds as a second row forward, is currently studying for an MSc in Sports Coaching at Leeds Beckett University where he lectures in sports coaching as well as coaching the university's rugby teams.

He previously work for eight years for the rugby union as a regional coach.

The new coach was an interested spectator at their recent Aire-Wharfe Cup final win over Ilkley and the Yorkshire Silver Trophy victory over Skipton.

Stafford, who lives in Leeds, is keen to try and lift the club to new heights.

He said: “I feel the club has the potential to develop further with the right approach.

"My aims will be to strengthen the 2nd XV to provide more strength-in-depth and linked to this will be a push for promotion to Yorkshire Division 2, something I believe we will be capable of.

"The real “cherry on the cake” as a result of the recent success in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy will be our involvement next season in the National Junior Vase competition.

"If we play well there is the reward of a trip to the final at Twickenham.”

Club stalwart Johnny Ratahi will continue to assist with coaching alongside newcomer Steve Quinn from Selby.

Stafford is currently in discussion with skipper Sam Featherstone about the arrangements for training and he will be holding a meeting for first and second team players at Chaffers Field on Tuesday, June 27, at 7.15pm when new players will be very welcome.