Rosslyn Park’s new head coach James Buckland has a plan to build momentum into next season’s National League One campaign.
The 33-year-old former London Scottish coach takes over from Alex Codling, who is moving to take up a role in Ireland.
Under Codling, Park have finished second in consecutive seasons, and Buckland is delighted that the core of the side is staying at the Rock.
However, he will lose prop Aaron Liffchak to Old Elthamians, Luke Carter to Rotherham Titans, winger Joe Ajuwa to Narbonne in France and Wasps loanee Alex Lundberg to Bedford Blues.
Buckland, who has signed a three-year deal, said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Park. I’ve found the off-field operations, the planned developments associated with the ground and the vision, energy and ambition of the board very impressive.
“The squad has a lot of talent and that has clearly been displayed in the past couple of years.
“It’s great that so many of them have committed for at least another season, and that will stand us in good stead when it comes to building momentum in pre-season.
“The club is in a really healthy place and I’m looking forward to playing a part in shaping its future.”
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Buckland’s career took in 69 appearances for Leicester Tigers, as well as time with London Wasps and London Irish and an international dalliance with England Saxons, before injury forced him out of the game in 2008.
He will be joined on the coaching staff by Andy Holloway as backs/forwards coach, while Scott Sneddon will continue as player/coach.
Moving on: Park scrum-half Luke Carter is joining Rotherham Titans
Park’s director of rugby Shaun Justice said: “James coming on board is a testimony to what we have achieved, and are aspiring to, at Park.
“With so many exciting things happening on and off the field at the moment, it’s great to be able to bring in someone of such quality.”
He added: ““On the pitch we’re in really good shape and with a settled playing group, we’re going in the right direction.
“Having met James on a number of occasions in the past few weeks it quickly became apparent that he was just the man we were looking for – ambitious, honest and someone who wants to succeed.
“He felt the same about the club so it was a ‘win-win’ all-round.”
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