WATERLOO have signed fly-half Liam McGovern from rugby league club Rochdale Hornets.

Director of rugby at Blundellsands, Steve Moore, believes that McGovern’s experience in rugby league and his prodigious kicking skills will bring an extra dimension to Waterloo’s back division this season.

“Liam brings great skills and lots of experience at a high level,” he said.

“But equally importantly he brings a level of professionalism which will provide a great example to our young squad.

“Having watched him play many times, both live and on video, I believe he will transfer very successfully to the union game.”

McGovern himself is hugely enthusiastic about the coming season.

He said: “I can’t wait to get going! Waterloo is a big sleeping giant in my view, and if I can help in any way to get the club where it rightly belongs, back up the leagues, then I will do my very best.”

The new recruit enjoyed four years at St Helens where he obtained Great Britain Academy honours touring Australia and New Zealand.

He then spent three years at Swinton Lions, captaining the side to a Grand Final in 2006, before moving last year to Rochdale. In total, McGovern has played over 160 first grade rugby league matches, kicking over 200 goals and scoring 40 tries.

Meanwhile, Collegiate return to action following a good pre-season.

The first XV travel to Southport in the Lancashire Plate and hope to be at almost full strength despite a couple of key players being away.

The second XV are looking for a pool game this weekend.

Last weekend saw 40 plus players travel to Heaton Moor for a trial game and there were lots of positives to be taken from the day giving the management some selection headaches once the season is in full flow.