CLECKHEATON have appointed former Bowden coaching duo Mike Swetman (player-coach) and Thiu Barnard (player-head coach).

They replace Scott Benton and Gordon Piper after the club's relegation last season from National League Three North.

Swetman, who can also play centre, has Sale, Lymm, Nottingham, Worcester, Waterloo, Belfast Harlequins and Chicago Westside Condors as his former clubs.

Lock Barnard, originally from South Africa, has represented Durban Collegians and Durban Sharks Under-20s, but has been in England for ten years, joining Huddersfield at the age of 21 and being with Sheffield Tigers for the past three years.

Both Huddersfield and Tigers were promoted under his stewardship.

On the debit side, the Moorenders have lost No 8 Richard Piper, lock Josh Malkinson and back-rower Joey Carly, who have all joined National League Three North champions Huddersfield.

Scrum half Jack Bickerdike could be a fourth to make the switch.

Piper sees this as his last opportunity to play in the fourth tier, and Huddersfield's head coach Gareth Lewis said: "Richard trained with us briefly a couple of years ago but remained loyal to Cleckheaton.

"However, this time round he's decided he wants the challenge of National Two rugby and is very hungry to test himself.

"I've got to know him pretty well in recent months and he's an honest lad who knows he must improve his fitness levels to have the desired impact at the level of rugby we are about to embark on.

"With a tough pre-season under his belt, he could be a real handful to opposition defences."

Piper scored 11 tries in 19 appearances for Cleckheaton last season, while Carly made 13 appearances.

Lewis added: "Josh Malkinson is very determined to test himself at National level.

"He has an excellent attitude and will be a great asset to the squad, as will Joey."

Huddersfield, who are believed to want a first-team squad of 40 players, have also snapped up the England Development duo of scrum half Ollie Fox and talented fly half Harry Davey on dual registration from Yorkshire Carnegie.

Cleckheaton are looking for a first-team physio to replace Guy Rumbold, who has stood down after 23 years.

If anyone is interested, they should contact senior rugby chairman Neil Gillan on 07850-169204.