Former England rugby international Paul Hodgson is making an emotional return to Sutton & Epsom in a bid to keep a family connection alive.

The London Irish coach will be on hand next season to offer any help he can to new head coach Lee Cholewa as Sutton attempt to improve on last season’s third place finish in London Division One South.

The Hodgson family have a long history with the club, and Hodgson always said he would end his rugby career at Rugby Lane.

The scrum-half left in 2002 to embark on a professional career that took in 181 appearances for Bristol Rugby, London Irish and Worcester.

After ending his playing career and going into coaching at London Irish, Hodgson began to think about helping out his old club before a family tragedy made up his mind.

“I played at Sutton & Epsom from about six to 18 years old,” he said.

“My parents were heavily involved, as were my brother and sister, so it was a real family thing.

“Then my professional career took off and after leaving Worcester, I was always considering coming back to Sutton & Epsom in some sort of capacity.

“But the defining thing was the passing of my mum and dad in the past 18 months.

“My siblings don’t have that much connection with the club anymore, so I want to keep that going through playing and coaching.”

Hodgson’s primary objective lays with the London Irish academy, and his work as a coach with Sutton & Epsom next season will be played by ear.

However, the 33-year-old has not ruled out pulling on his boots again and mucking in on game day.

“We need to see how that first part of the season works out, whether I can commit to a few games and see how it unfolds,” he said.

“Sutton already have a fantastic squad with great coaches, I am just there to assist in any way I can in both a playing and coaching capacity.

“But my energy and commitment is to London Irish and my new coaching career.

“I am more ambitious to make it as a coach, as I was as a player.”

He added: “My coaching philosophy is a mix of problem solving and talent development.

“I am a firm believer that if the individuals get better then the team gets better. I will helping as many people as I can to improve their game.

“They have done a fantastic job and they have an amazing culture – I can sense that through watching them play and train.

“Maybe I can help with game management where young players are always looking to improve.

“Maybe I can support the more experienced players in managing their bodies. If my experience can help then I am happy to call on it.”

Hodgson is testament to the possibilities open to the younger players at Sutton & Epsom, having pulled on the white shirt of England on nine occasions, making his debut in the 2008 Five Nations against Ireland at Twickenham.

He said: “I would never have had a pro career of 14 years without Sutton & Epsom. There are so many coaches, including my dad, who have helped me from U6 to U18s.

“I have always recognised how fortunate I am to have the career I have and playing the game I love playing, it’s about giving back and trying to inspire the minis and juniors.

“And who is to say they cannot make a profession out of the game?”

He added: “The amount of players in the match day squad in their late teens who have come through the club is incredible.

“If you talk about identity and culture as a prerequisite for success, then they have that, and I can consider myself one of them.”