Rosslyn Park announced the appointment of a new head coach James Buckland today, who will join them as they prepare for their upcoming season.
Buckland, 33, has a long career both on and off the field, playing for teams including London Wasps and England Saracens before moving into professional coaching following an injury.
He spoke of his excitement at joining the club, and how impressed he was by its vision, energy and ambition.
“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,” he said.
“The club is in a really healthy place and I’m looking forward to playing a part in shaping its future.”
Buckland began his coaching career at London Scottish as a forward coach, before being promoted to head coach, and was responsible for their respectable fifth place finish in the Championship.
He is currently serving as an interim forward coach for London Welsh where his technical knowledge of the game has been warmly welcomed.
Buckland’s three year deal with Rosslyn Park officially starts on June 1, however with little time between then and pre-season preparations he is already making a plan of attack.
Rosslyn Park’s managing director Shaun Justice said: “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.
“On the pitch we’re in really good shape and with a settled playing group, we’re going in the right direction.
“There’s the ground re-development to look forward to over the summer and with membership at all levels continuing to grow, the club really is in a strong position to kick on again next year.”
Image courtesy of LondonScottishRugby, with thanks
