He's the sort of bloke you want on your team and that's the way the other players view him Glenn Delaney on Ben Johnston

Nottingham director of rugby Glenn Delaney says Ben Johnston's decision to sign a new deal is a huge boost.

Johnston, 32, joined the Green & Whites last summer and has been a key figure - both as a centre on the pitch and as part of the team's coaching set-up.

Delaney said: "There's a huge amount of confidence in him. The guys are looking at a bloke who has 10 years in the top flight and has played for England.

"He has fulfilled both of his roles really well."

Johnston played for Saracens, Northampton and Brive before moving to Meadow Lane and won two full caps for England in 2002.

Delaney told BBC Radio Nottingham: "He is a real 'take the game by the scruff of the next character' and has been a big influence in some of the best performances we have had.

"He still shows the class he showed when he played for Saracens; he's the sort of bloke you want on your team and that's the way the other players view him.

"It was his first outing as a coach last season. He had the opportunity to play and coach at the same time and that's what we needed.

"It's not a bad thing to have a guy who is part of the coaching team who can get out on the field and deliver the tasks that you need.

"I'm sure he'll keep developing into a top quality coach."

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