CHIPPENHAM tonight unveiled their new coaching team as they aim to bounce back from their relegation from National Three South West last season.

The new line-up includes Cardiff Blues skills coach Andi Kyriacou and Bath Rugby academy coach Jack Howden coming in to work alongside existing head coach Danny Thomas.

The club have also taken steps to beef up the development of their young players, with long-standing club coaches Richard Gaunt, Sean Atkins, Paul Matthews and Kevin Tillotson.

Former junior and development squad manager Steve Whitehead also takes over as first team manager, following the departure of senior playing chairman Kevin Snape, who subsequently became Corsham's director of rugby, last season.

Thomas said: “With more focus on quality coaching for the new season and continuing the policy we started last season to nurture our young up and coming players in re-building our squad I am sure we can bring enjoyment back to the playing of senior rugby at Chippenham.

"I am looking forward to working with all our refreshed players from July 15.”

Kyriacou, who will continue to work with Pro 12 side Cardiff Blues ad combine those duties with Chippenham, played for Sale Sharks, Leeds and Saracens and well as Irish provinces Munster and Ulster, going on to play for the Irish Wolfhounds.

He also earned representative honours with England U21s.

University of Bath and Filton College coach Shaun Williams also joins alongside Howden, who currently works with Bath academy’s elite player development group.

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