RUGBY UNION players at the York and Pocklington clubs get back to training tomorrow.

One senior York player who won't be there is Nathan Harding, who is returning

to Australia to live in Perth after two years at Clifton Park.

He had been an excellent servant in his two years at York and has agreed to become a club liaison officer in Australia, providing players the opportunity to sample the playing opportunities Down Under as well as looking out for

players interested incoming to England.

Tomorrow's first training session at Clifton Park will be under director of rugby Andy Gair and coach Matthew Emmerson.

The session starts at 7.30pm with a player warm-up at 7pm. All players invited to join in the sessions each Tuesday and Thursday.

York are happy for any players from local clubs to attend the training as the session as part of their preparation for their coming season.

York have been active in the recruitment market with new faces to be revealed later in the summer to bolster the first team squad in key areas.

Pocklington go back to the future for the coming season, as forward Darren Smith picks up the reins again as first XV captain. Smith, a front row forward, and Hayton farmer, had a three-year spell of unparalleled success as skipper from 1997-2000, culminating in leading the side to a North East League and Yorkshire Shield double. He then moved on for a season in North One with Bradford & Bingley but then missed most of last season through injury.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to the challenge of helping Pocklington back to winning ways. We need to improve in a number of areas, but I think the club has the home-grown talent and young players to turn things round."

In addition to persuading Smith to come back as captain, Pocklington rugby manager, Tim Clappison has been busy putting together a new coaching team, and lining up some new signings on the playing front, and further announcements on changes of personnel are imminent.

The new Panthers captain is forceful back row Denzil Styche, who had experience as a successful first team skipper at Knottingley before coming to Percy Road a decade ago. His vice captain is half-back Ed Townsend, one of the young players who came to the forefront last year, while the Panthers' manager is former skipper Adam Lakin.

Pocklington start their pre-season training tomorrow at 7pm, with sessions continuing every Tuesday and Thursday evening thereafter. For further details contact Clappison on (01430) 860325 or Smith on (01759) 302945.

New players interested in joining the York club should contact Gair on 07712 793081 or turn up at Clifton Park tomorrow.

Updated: 12:22 Monday, July 01, 2002