BRADFORD Salem coach Phil Nilsen has become only the second player in Yorkshire Carnegie's history to be granted a testimonial.

after it was revealed he is embarking on a benefit year with the club.

The 30-year-old hooker is the longest serving player at Headingley and is fourth in the all-time appearance list behind Mike Shelley, former Bradford & Bingley loanee Rob Rawlinson and Tom Palmer.

Nilsen, a product of the club's academy who made his debut in 2006, said: "I am very proud to have received a testimonial and it is a great honour for me.

"I have been at the club a long time now and it is not something that has happened many times in the club's history.

"Through the years, with promotions and relegations, the club has always strived to be on top of the game.

"The rebranding of the club to Yorkshire Carnegie and the fresh investment from new owners has pushed the club on to achieve those goals and it is great to be involved.

"The fans have always been great with me. In the modern era with social media, it is fantastic that we are able to keep in touch with supporters and let them know how the team is doing.

"The guys who travel to watch us week in and week out are brilliant, and the support we get from the local community has really been appreciated during my time at the club."

In 2004, Nilsen was part of the National Colts final winning team, and in 2005 he helped Leeds Carnegie pick up the Yorkshire Senior Cup.

He was named in Stuart Lancaster's first senior squad ahead of the 2006-07 season and made his debut for the club in a high-pressure game against Cornish Pirates that season.

As well as events at Headingley Carnegie, former Otley loanee Nilsen will be using the benefit year to go back to the grass-roots of the game and thank those who have supported him throughout his career.

He is also learning some life skills for his time after rugby, and added: "It is something I have never done before. I have always been rugby or sport related when it comes to things away from training but the testimonial has really opened my eyes.

"I am involved in organising the dinners and speaking to sponsors. It has been great to see how the club operates and it has given me an insight into another aspect of the sport when it comes to life after my rugby career.

"Hopefully I can do some events with Yorkshire Carnegie and Bradford Salem, where I am coaching now, and my local club back home where I started when I was ten years old and have supported me throughout my career.

"It will be nice to do something at each club and say thank you to people for their support."