FORMER Gloucester and England A winger Brian Johnson has taken on the role of coach at Cirencester rugby club.

Having signed a two-year agreement with the Gloucestershire Premier Division club, Johnson is hoping the position could be a springboard to bigger and brighter things.

Johnson was forced to quit the game on medical advice at the end of the 2000 season, after sustaining a serious back injury.

The 30-year-old has stayed in touch with the game and is looking to combine a full-time Army career with coaching. Living in Shrivenham, Capt Johnson works as a training officer with the Colerne-based 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support).

And he's certainly enjoying his new role so far.

He said: "It's early days yet but they're a good bunch of guys and the turnouts at training have been good.

"I wouldn't mind taking the coaching all the way. I've taken a lot in from some very good coaches, Richard Hill and Keith Richardson in particular, and I still keep in touch with Keith."

Johnson will be assisted at Cirencester by another former Gloucester duo Simon Mannix and Nigel Scrivens.

Mannix, who has just joined Bridgend, helped Ciren on an occasional basis last season and pointed the club in Johnson's direction, while Scrivens will help out with the forward coaching.

Cirencester, who finished fourth last season, train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm. New and old players are encouraged to attend and anyone wanting more details should ring Matt Crawford on 01285 640733 .