Simon Green-Price (right) and Aaron Jones welcome Alex Davidson

Luctonians have appointed the former Birmingham Solihull second-row star Alex Davidson as their director of rugby.

Davidson has left the Bees after eight seasons but said the time was right for him to take on this new challenge.

"It was hard to leave as the Championship is getting the prestige but the money has gone out of the game.

"With a baby on the way in October, I need to look to the future past my playing career," he added.

Davidson's role as director of rugby will be to ensure that all teams are operating at the best level possible.

He will head up a revamped team of coaches, which he feels is critical as he will also be looking to play for Luctonians this season.

I think it is going to be huge as we are going to be one of the few clubs that won't be paying players Luctonians Alex Davidson

"I have asked Andy Douthwaite, who is a more senior figure, to come back on board in a coaching capacity," he said.

"For instance, if I am on the pitch and need someone to make a decision that could even involve removing me from the field, then Andy would be the person to do that.

"I have asked Stuart Bemand, who was forwards coach last year, to try to play again as he has got himself fit this year.

"I wanted continuity so have asked Richard Henwood to continue as backs coach because he did a good job last year despite the difficulties faced at times.

"Aaron Jones will assist Richard, especially with phase play and defensive play. I feel it is important to have a slightly wider coaching structure, so we have more opinions."

Davidson, 29, made a record 182 appearances in eight seasons with the Bees but insists he is fully focused on his new role, accepting it is going to be a big step up for Luctonians who are preparing for their first season at National Two level.

"It is going to be huge as we are going to be one of the few clubs that won't be paying players," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Despite the RFU cutbacks, there are still clubs out there with private backers who throw lots of money at individuals.

"We're going to try to build on what is Luctonians, which is this total community club in which everyone is involved.

"We just want everyone to get better and we will go into the season having fun and getting as far as we can."

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