Hetherington is new Halifax coach

The 28-year-old made his name at the West Vale club before going on to play in the national leagues with Bradford and Bingley.

In the latest season he helped Huddersfield to the National Three North title.

Hetherington has previously coached the backs and junior teams at Heath with the Colts winning both league and North of England titles, he is also backs coach for Yorkshire under 16s.

A former pupil at the Crossley Heath School, Halifax, he returned as a PE teacher in 2007.

Hetherington, who replaces Mark Walton at the Yorkshire Four club, said: “This is a great opportunity. I have heard a lot of really good things about the club and beating the top-of-the-table side screams out about the potential.

“I have achieved many of my personal goals and played at a reasonable level where I have enjoyed my rugby.

“I now see this an exciting opportunity to take on and to show how commitment, quality training and fun will inevitably lead to success both on and off the pitch.”

Hetherington will hope to lead by example as he is keen to continue playing. He aims to assemble a coaching team around him with the aim of leading the side to promotion.

Hetherington will look to hold relaxed weekly get-togethers throughout June before the serious business of pre-season training gets underway twice a week from the first week in July.

Club chairman Grayham Smith said: “We are thrilled that Giles has agreed to take over as head coach for the 2014/15 season.

“He has a superb pedigree as a player and impressed us with his plans of how to take the club forward on the pitch.”