Previous captain and player/coach Anthony Posa stood down this year saying, “I am coming to the end of my playing career and, although will be pleased to continue as and when required, we must think about succession and it is time to blood some of our youth.

“It is unlikely that I will figure so much in the starting line-up and I wish to have more time to concentrate on coaching the team.

“It is not easy to act as coach whilst dictating tactics and so on from the No 10 position and I know that my successor will immediately have the total respect of all of those around him.

“He will, as always lead from the front, and we all wish him the very best of luck.”

David has enjoyed two outstanding seasons since returning to the club in 2005. He was voted player of the year in 2007 and was equally outstanding last season, despite the side struggling in the National League.

David played rugby for Beverley through the mini section, juniors and colts into the senior section ending up in the first team in 1999 and 2000 before his police career took him to Manchester.

He played for Oldham for five years before returning to Humberside Police and re-joining Beverley. He has represented British Police and also Yorkshire.

David played for Yorkshire earlier this month in their victorious County Champion-ship team at Twickenham.

Clearly capable of playing at a higher level, David has turned down overtures from other clubs in favour of staying with his home town club.

He said today, “I look upon this as a massive honour and will be striving to ensure that we maintain our reputation as one of the higher echelons last remaining Community rugby clubs.”