AFTER recovering from a life-threatening illness, Martin Poste is back at the helm of Northwich RUFC.

The former Harlequins assistant coach has resumed his duties as director of rugby at Moss Farm as Blacks prepare for another season at National League level.

Having steered the club to promotion out of the regional leagues for the first time in their history, Poste had to undergo major surgery that forced him to step away from his role.

The club struggled at their new level, going winless in the 2021-22 season, but a league restructure gave them a reprieve.

Now, with players from Australia, New Zealand and Samoa believed to be arriving in the coming weeks, Poste believes the club has a great chance of establishing itself at national level.

“It’s great to be back involved with Northwich Rugby Club,” he said.

“They had a very tough baptism into National League rugby and the club have learnt a lot about what is required to keep their recently acquired status as a National League club.”

“We lost a lot of experienced players during the pandemic, players who had National League experience and the club had to make do with several inexperienced homegrown players.

“Hopefully the players who served us so valiantly last season will have learnt for themselves the demands and rigours of national rugby, and those players being part of the squad will be better prepared to deal with the pace, physicality and skills needed to survive at that level.”

“I firmly believe this club can establish itself as a National League club for many years to come.”

To help aid that quest, former Northern First XV captain Tom White has joined the club for the new season.

The back row forward played under Poste at Sheffield and had no hesitation when his old coach came calling.

“When I heard Postie had recovered from his illness and he was interested in me helping strengthen the Northwich pack, I had no hesitation in accepting his invitation,” he said.

“Postie gave me my first taste of National League rugby at Sheffield when I was 17 years of age and I’ve always respected him as a coach and as a person.

“I wish to pay him back the best way I can by helping Northwich establish themselves as a National League side.”