Carlisle Rugby Club have pulled off a major signing with the return to Warwick Road of Max Connon.

The talented Connon, equally at home playing scrum-half, stand-off or full-back, will continue to play as well as taking a key role in the club’s coaching set-up.

Director of rugby James Goode and head coach David Stout are delighted to welcome the former Carlisle player back into the fold.

Goode said: “It’s a massive achievement for us signing Max and particularly pleasing for me having coached him for some time as part of our youth section.

“Max has dropped down several divisions to join us, but having met with him over the past few months, he has realised the ambition the club has on and off the park.

“He could probably have continued playing at a higher level for some years to come, but his return to Carlisle shows a sign of his, and the club’s intent, to push on for national rugby.

“Max joins a very young squad and I’m sure his presence on and off the park and his undoubted abilities will hopefully take the club to another level.

“To say I’m pleased is an understatement, I’m delighted especially coming on top of promotion and becoming county champions.”

Stout added: “I am both delighted and excited to have Max back at the club in a player-coach role. I have known him and his family for many years and have always rated him highly.

“He will act as my number two on the coaching side, focusing primarily on the backs. It is a great appointment for the club as we look to continue our upwards progression.

“Max not only brings great playing ability backed by an impressive rugby CV to add to our playing strength, but also great experience. This will be very much needed as our young squad prepares for the challenge of playing at level six.”

After leaving Carlisle, Connon played for five years with Darlington Mowden Park where he was involved in their promotions to National Two and National One. He had two seasons in National One.

He also played in Northumbria University 1st XV for two seasons and then went on to play at Blaydon RFC in National One last season.

He has played Durham senior County rugby, although he represented Cumbria through Under-15s to Under-20s. He has also played for the Irish Exiles 7s which competed on the GB7s circuit.

Cannon said: “I’m really looking forward to the season ahead in North One West with the boys at Carlisle.

"David has done a quality job with them last year to win promotion and we are looking to continue that success this season coming.

“Pre-season is going really well and I’m enjoying the coaching role which David has asked me to help out with.

“It’s great moving back to play at Carlisle where I played all my junior rugby from the age of seven up to senior rugby.

“The club has been through some tough times with the floods in 2015 but they have bounced back remarkably and there is a real buzz about the place.

"There will be big challenges ahead this season but we are all looking forward to see how we get on.”