New Carlisle Rugby Club director Duncan Harty admits he has always had “a lot of love” for the club.

At this month’s board meeting, members unanimously agreed to bring Harty, a former player and a long-time supporter of the club, in to the fold.

Harty, a solicitor at Baines Wilson LLP, says he is looking forward to working with the club’s new-look board, which is led by chairman David Stout.

"I’m an ex-player. I played down there a number of years ago. I have always had an involvement at the club," he said.

"I know David Stout on a professional level and I’m very much aware of what he has been doing in trying to bring fresh blood in.

"I said to David that I was happy to get involved and he said it would be a great idea. I even came back from university to play. I have always had a lot of love for Carlisle Rugby Club.

"And from a professional perspective, my first contact with a solicitor was David Burnett, who was a member of the club."

After four matches of their 2018/19 season, Carlisle are top of North One West and Harty says he has been pleased with their start to the campaign.

"They have made a fantastic start," said Harty.

"It’s testament to the sort of work people like David Stout have put in. They have had some great results.

"They beat De La Salle. We used to play them when I was playing and they were always a good side.

"The majority of these players have been at Carlisle through the youth system which is testament to what we are doing in the community."