Leon Holden joined London Wasps in 2005

Wasps assistant coach Leon Holden is to replace Craig Dowd as forwards coach when Dowd returns to New Zealand in the new year.

Holden, 36, coached in New Zealand and Japan before joining Wasps in the summer of 2005.

"I'm delighted and excited to be taking on the role," he told the club website.

"Working with Craig on the forwards side of things has been very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to continuing to develop what we've achieved."

606: DEBATE Your view on Leon Holden's promotion

"I joined the club at a time when several promising young players were emerging at senior level, particularly in the pack," he added.

"Having seen them come through so well in the last two seasons I am delighted to be able to continue working with those guys going forward, as well as the more established players in the squad."

Wasps' director of rugby Ian McGeechan was also delighted with the news.

"Leon has been part of a close knit coaching group at Wasps for the last two and a half years, making a valuable contribution to the way we play, both in the forwards as a team," he said.

"His appointment allows us to take advantage of some important continuity in the work we are doing."

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