OTLEY have announced two more signings as they build towards the new National League Two North campaign.

Lock Simon Willet has returned to Cross Green from Wharfedale, while winger Paul Petchey has made the move from neighbours Ilkley.

In addition, a scrum half and five forwards are due to be registered, which will soften the blow of losing scrum half and skipper Stephen Depledge (Sheffield), flanker Matt Heaton (Darlington Mowden Park), fly half Neil Chivers and hooker Henry Watson (university).

Former Edinburgh Academicals, Selkirk and Leeds second row Willet joined the Greens from Otley in the summer of 2014, and has also played for Harbour Hawks and Whatakane Marist n New Zealand.

Wharfedale’s director of rugby James Doherty, who is also a former backs coach at Cross Green, said of 30 year old Willet: “We didn’t want him to go but fully understand his decision as he has got a job in the south Leeds-Wakefield area and it would have been difficult for him to get to training. We wish him well.”

Petchey, who missed the early part of last season due to concussion, has helped Ilkley establish themselves in National League Three North.

Otley RUFC held their annual meeting last Thursday and have appointed Nigel Unsworth as a full-time commercial manager.

His remit is to promote the club to be used for business meetings, musical evenings and entertainment generally, as well as a venue for wedding receptions, post-funeral bashes, birthdays and christenings.

To help him in his new role, major refurbishment will be taking place at Cross Green, which involves re-fitting the kitchen, adding new windows, doors and decor to the club’s iconic long bar, and completely renovating both the Hugh Barker Bar and Nigel Melville Suite to make them more attractive for functions.

In addition, a pitch-side balcony, running the width of the clubhouse, will be erected. The club have already held two successful internal functions – the annual dinner, which attracted over 100, and a summer ball, attended by over 350 in a marquee.

To raise funds for the developments, the club are starting a Buy A Brick Campaign, with a grand opening taking place on Saturday, September 24 on the lines of the Tour of Yorkshire day earlier this year.

In terms of the first team, director of rugby Peter Clegg and forwards’ coach Mark Luffman will be assisted in terms of the backs by Yorkshire Carnegie centre Tom Casson and in terms of strength and conditioning by Newcastle Falcons’ Steve Gordon.

Meanwhile, Ed Parker has come in as player-manager for the Saracens, who will be captained by Ben Fairclough, while the venerable Jamie Chappell will continue to run the Viscounts.

Chappell was not the only long-serving member to be honourably mentioned, however.

Dr Nick Allen has retired after 38 years as a player and club doctor, while John Nixon has stepped down after 45 years as a player, committee member and treasurer.

Honorary membership was granted to former player and director of rugby Mike Wright, who put in over 40 years of service; Paul Whatmuff, a former president who was in charge of recruiting sponsors and advertisers; and Andy Hargreaves, who made 484 first-team appearances in the back row between 1981 and 1998, scoring 118 tries.