England trained at the University of Bath when Ashton was head coach

Former England rugby head coach Brian Ashton has been appointed as director of coaching at the University of Bath.

The 62-year-old, who led England to the World Cup final in 2007, will work with athletes and coaches to develop the university's coaching infrastructure.

Ashton said: "There are many talented performance coaches and athletes in the university's sports training village.

"I am looking forward to working with them to ensure they set standards and provide competition success."

I am well aware of the facilities and expertise that the University of Bath is able to provide across a wide range of support areas. Brian Ashton

The University of Bath's director of sport Ged Roddy said: "This is a significant coup for us.

"Brian's appointment will strengthen our elite performance line-up and create a link between research and the practical application of science to sport."

"Our university sports family at Bath fielded medal winners at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games and Brian's appointment will strengthen our elite performance line-up and create a link between research and the practical application of science to sport."

Ashton added: "When I was the national academy manager and head coach of England rugby we used the sports training village as our base.

"I am well aware of the facilities and expertise that the University of Bath is able to provide across a wide range of support areas."