Hardwick becomes coach at Luton

Hardwick played over 100 games for London Irish

Ex-England international prop forward Rob Hardwick has been named as head coach for the Luton RFC Development XV.

As well as representing England, Hardwick played for London Irish and the Barbarians.

He told the club's website: "I am delighted to be joining Luton. The plans to develop local players fit closely with my coaching philosophy.

"I am looking forward to seeing more and more of the development squad players achieve their potential."

Hardwick is currently employed as director of rugby at Bedford Modern School.

He will be assisted by skills coaches Shaun Crowley, who is employed by the Rugby Football Union as a community coach for south Bedfordshire, and Simon Page, local PE teacher, who currently works with the Luton second XV.

Bernard Jackson, an ex-Luton first XV captain who played for the club for over 30 years, will act as team manager to the development squad.

Luton director of rugby Denis Ormesher said: "Building a strong second XV is key to the future for Luton. We need to develop more local players to come through to the first XV.

"We are delighted that a player of Rob's experience has agreed to lead the second XV coaching team, and that he will have the support of Shaun, Simon and Bernard working with him.

"We will also use Rob's expertise as an international prop to coach scrummaging for the first XV and the development XV."