DEVIZES have unveiled a new coaching team for their assault on Southern Counties South honours next season.

Former Saddlebacks, Chippenham, Bath and Exeter Academy player Joe Alford will become the club's new director of rugby following former head coach John Kimberley's decision to step down at the end of last season.

Alford, who has also built a successful athletic performance facility at Body Revolution in Chippenham which hosts professional athletes, Olympians and Commonwealth athletes, professional rugby players and a UFC fighter, will lead Devizes' bid to reach South West level rugby next term.

Alford, also supporting Lewis Moody’s Mad Dog Rugby as Head of Athletic Development, said: "I'm excited at the challenge of leading a homegrown team of coaches, managers and players to further success at Devizes Rugby Club with the first team competing in Southern Counties South and the second team competing in Dorset & Wilts Two North.

"As coaches we will develop a simple playing philosophy throughout the club teams that complements our playing resources - fast, attacking rugby built on the foundations of reliable set piece, an athletic team and a dominant defence.

"We want to make Devizes an exciting and enjoyable club to play rugby for.

"We will be looking to build depth in the playing section and focus on the technical, tactical and athletic development of both first and second team players.''

James Gaiger returns to the senior Devizes set-up as lead coach alongside Chris Hiscock with pre-season training starting on Tuesday (7pm) at Green Lane playing fields.

Two pre-season friendlies have been confirmed with a squad to face Avon RFC away on Thursday, August 23 (7pm), followed by the visit of Wolverhampton RFC to the Chivers Ground on Saturday, September 1 (2pm) where first and second XV friendlies will take place.

Players interested in joining Devizes Rugby Club can contact join@devizesrfc.org.uk for more information or turn up to pre-season sessions on Tuesdays and Thursday at 7pm.