PETER Clegg is to return to Otley next season as director of rugby.

The former Yorkshire coach will replace James Tiffany, who has stepped down due to being promoted at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield, but who is staying at the club and will help Clegg out.

The latter has been coaching York this season, who came third in SSE Yorkshire Division One.

Clegg took over from Mike Barnett at Otley before the 1998-99 season, consistently helping them to punch above their weight in England's second tier of National League One, and was only succeeded by Gary Walker as director of rugby in 2009, after which Clegg went to York.

Otley RUFC president David Somers said: "Many will know Peter from his previous tenure at Cross Green, when he took us to such dizzying heights beating such teams as Exeter while in the 'Championship', and so very nearly masterminding a win against Harlequins.

"In the interim Peter has been director of rugby at York, and I know that they will be sorry to lose such a talent."

Clegg, who still lives in Otley, said: "I'm delighted to be part of Otley RUFC once again. I've had some of my best rugby memories at Cross Green but they are memories – the future is our No 1 focus.

"Tiff and his team have done a tremendous job over the last couple of seasons and I look forward to building on the firm foundations that he has put in place.

"The colts and junior sections are vital for our future, as is having an active, supportive committee, providing attractive, winning rugby to make Otley RUFC the club to be part of.

"We ignore our local competition at our peril. We all need to maximize our efforts and pull as one. I am looking forward to doing my part.”

Somers added: "James Tiffany is staying with the club. His work commitments mean that he cannot devote as much time as the job needs, and he will continue to work to the benefit of the club.

"Tiff has worked tirelessly to achieve the success for the club, and not just for the first team. There is so much more work that goes in to that delivery that is over and above Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the vast majority of which most people rarely see or appreciate.

"As president, I want to very publicly offer my thanks to James on behalf of the club for the enthusiasm and incredible dedication that he has shown so far. Tiff, don’t worry – you are not taking a back seat!"