Bruce comes with a proven pedigree to take over the reins and with his experience, he will be a huge asset to the Club as it continues to build the structures to bring it into a new phase in its development.

Last season, Lisburn finished in seventh position in Qualifying League Two but were unfortunate not to have managed a top four finish, but for a few very narrow losses and a plague of injuries at the wrong time. This year they will try to improve their position and with their second and third squad's having won their respective leagues, the competition for places will continue to be fierce.

Bruce Cornelius brings a wealth of experience to the Lisburn coaching set-up. Having played rugby to senior provincial level in New Zealand, where he also coached with his local club in Christchurch, the Kiwi then moved to Northern Ireland where he joined Instonians as a player and coach.

During the period 2001 to 2005 he brought Inst from 14th in AIL 3 up to two AIL Play Offs in the four seasons he was involved there. He then moved in 2005 to Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne where as Head of Rugby he brought the University team through to win the BUCS Northern Premier Division in the season 2006/7.

After returning to Northern Ireland last season, Cornelius coached Belfast Harlequins in 2008/9 but now moves to help Lisburn achieve their vision of returning to Qualifying League One.

Training for the new season commences next Tuesday, July 7, at 6.30pm, and will continue on Tuesday's and Thursday's thereafter (with the exception of Tuesday July 14) and they will be seeking to recruit additional players to their playing panel as it gears up for their new coach. Team Captain's Richard Kindred and Alan Hughes will be glad to welcome all new players at the training sessions at Blaris and they will all be made very welcome for the start of the new season.