New Milton Rugby Club appoint former Gloucester and London Welsh professional Gavin Evans as head coach in bid to return to RFU Hampshire Counties One

New Milton Rugby Club have appointed former Gloucester and London Welsh professional Gavin Evans as their new head coach.

The former back-row player and Wales U21 international has moved to the area after guiding Cleveden RFC to a surprise second-place finish in their league, writes Ed Baker.

He will be tasked with getting the first team back into Hampshire Counties One following last season’s relegation.

With former players returning, a big second team squad and lots of Colts coming through, Cardiff-born Gavin is confident of success.

He said: “New Milton is a sleeping giant. Having played and coached in Hampshire and Dorset, I know the other clubs and local leagues very well.

“What I will do, is see what players we have then devise a system and game plan that gets the best out of them.”

The 45-year-old former soldier, who played twice in the high-profile Army versus Navy game at Twickenham, added: “I’m keen to encourage new players to join us and build the squad.

“I want to create a buzz around the place so players are really keen to train. We hope to recruit a strength and conditioning coach, and a couple of senior players are stepping up to help.

“It is very exciting going into a new season. We’ll be having a trial weekend and building so we get off to a good start in the new season.”

New Milton director of rugby David Page said: “We had some excellent applicants for the head coach role, but Gavin comes with local knowledge and a wonderful playing and coaching pedigree.

“Last season was a difficult one for the first team, although the second team, women’s teams and all our junior and mini sections had really good ones.

“As we approach our centenary, we are keen to recruit new players for all our teams, grow the social membership and take the club to a place we believe it belongs.”