SAM VIGGERS is relishing the chance to help Minchinhampton Rugby Football Club make progress during the 2017-2018 season.

The former Stroud player/coach will be dropping down four tiers to join up with his new club, but is keen on moving through the leagues with the Hollybush outfit, who boast former England and Gloucester legend Mike Tindall in their playing ranks.

“I’m looking forward to my new role at Minchinhampton,” said Viggers, who led Stroud to back-to-back promotions.

“Minch is a club with a massive amount of potential and brand new facilities that provide excellent resources for every age group up to the seniors.

“ The mini and youth set up is outstanding now with under 6s all the way up to the seniors and this provides a great opportunity for a pathway for players to progress through the club.

“Part of my role is to look at this pathway for the older age groups as they start a transition into senior rugby, there is a massive amount of talent in the older age groups and these players are the next generation coming through and will receive all of the coaching and support they need to achieve their maximum potential.”

Viggers is targeting a swift promotion from Gloucester Two.

He added: “The main objective is to gain promotion and move the club higher through the leagues, this may not happen overnight, but I’m very confident that this will be achieved because Minch is a club where everybody is involved from the under 6s to the first team are all working together to get the best for the club.”

Viggers also paid tribute to his former club, he said: “I enjoyed my time at Stroud and would like to thank all of the players that committed week in, week out, during my three year stint as head coach.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to my new challenge and have already dusted off the tweed jacket ready for the first game of the season.”

Pre-season training will start at Minchinhampton in the first week of July.

For more info go to www.pitchero.com/clubs/minchinhamptonrfc.