KENDAL Rugby Club have signed experienced prop Alistair Livesey as a player-coach.

The 32-year-old, originally from Bolton, can play both loose head and tight head, and has played for several clubs over the years including Orrell, Plymouth Albion, Otley, Sedgley Park (with Ian Voortman) and his latest club, Fylde, where he played for two seasons.

He is taking on a coaching role at the club, and will be working with the forwards alongside Garry Holmes.

Livesey has also played for Lancashire at Twickenham in the county final against Devon a few years ago, when he was captained by Richard Senior from Sedgley Park.

Livesey is also an international rugby player as through his mother's ancestry he qualifies for Malta. He has played 10 times for his country, the most recent being against Croatia.

Livesey joined Fylde in October 2010 and made 49 first team appearances.

Fylde head coach Mark Nelson said: “Al rang me on Sunday to explain his position. He feels that he wants to move into coaching and sees the opportunity to be a player coach at Mint Bridge as a good route for that.

“He made a massive contribution to the squad in his time at Fylde and I would like to publicly thank him for his efforts.”

Kendal player coach Ian Voortman said Livesey’s experience will be a valuable asset as the Black and Ambers look to get themselves off the foot of the National Division Three North table.

“He has played at a higher level than this and he is a very experienced and good player,” said Voortman, who played with Livesey at Sedgley Park.

“We needed help in the prop department and he is looking forward to taking on a coaching role with us.”

The Malta international will be available for this Saturday’s trip to Billingham, who currently lie mid-table in eighth.

South African Jason Poleman has also recovered after picking up an injury in his debut at Percy Park on November 17, while Simon Mulholland is regaining fitness, and could be in with a shout of making the squad.