JON Benson, who has played at the top level with West Hartlepool, Leeds and Rotherham, is the new Community Rugby Coach for Darlington and Stockton and brings the number of RFU coaches working in the area to five.

Originally from Wolsingham, he is a product of Barnard Castle School and played at fly half for Darlington Mowden Park for the last two seasons before switching to Ryton as player/coach for the current campaign.

Benson, 33, played for England at Under 16 and Under 19 levels and was in the Durham Colts team which reached Twickenham in 1996.

He had his first taste of coaching while playing at Doncaster before his move to Mowden.

“In my two years there I was able to get involved in coaching the backs, which I enjoyed immensely,” he said.

“It was then I realised that coaching in any capacity, along with playing, was what I wanted to do.

“I have always loved playing rugby but to be able to add your input into how the team plays gave me a whole new perspective on rugby.”

Teesside Rugby Development Officer Dave Reed said: “Jon has bags of rugby experience at the highest level. He has played and worked with a string of top-quality people, and he has so much to offer the clubs and schools, coaches and players in his patch.”

Benson starts his new appointment on Monday and can be contacted at The Sport & Recreation Department, University of Teesside, Borough Road, Teesside TS1 3BA; jonbenson@therfu.com; or 07789 488613.

Westoe visit Huddersfield tomorrow for a mid-table battle in National Two North, with both teams having won four of their eight games.

For the club’s first venture into the national leagues, Director of Rugby Andy Howells set a mid-table target, but after Saturday’s win over Waterloo he said: “I believe we have enough going for us to be in the top four by Christmas.”

Westoe’s attacking flair has brought seven bonus points, a tally equalled only by second- placed Loughborough Students.

Skipper Gareth Nesbit recalls that in his first season as captain five years ago they faced Huddersfield in a North Two (East) title decider.

Westoe were reduced to 14 men and three of their four casualties were taken to hospital, but they won 10-9.

Nesbit said: “We have had some very tough games against Huddersfield and there is no doubt this will be just as physical which, as far as I am concerned, makes it an exciting prospect. Teams change, but there are enough players in both sides to well remember being involved in that crunch game.”

Stockton, buoyed by their draw against unbeaten Northern, visit Wallsend. Experienced centre Graham Kell is available again and replaces Michael Shepherd, while Matt Austen comes into the front row for the unavailable Michael Tucker.