FORMER England coach Dick Best has joined the backroom team at Southend Rugby Club, the Echo can reveal.

Best led the national team to grand slam glory in 1992 and the following year was part of the coaching set up for the British Lions’ tour of New Zealand.

As well as that, Best has also been in charge of Premiership giants Harlequins and director of rugby at London Irish.

But he has now come in to help Southend as they battle to avoid relegation from National Two South.

“Dick has been at the last few coaching sessions and the game with Lydney last weekend,” said a source close to the club.

“To have someone of his calibre and experience coming in to help is a huge coup for Southend and will undoubtably be a huge help.”

Best’s arrival will also enable director of rugby Chris Green to continue his playing comeback after two years on the sidelines.

Assistant coach Daniel Legge could also be about to return to action after a similar spell on the sidelines.

Southend are currently second from bottom in the National Two standings and have lost their last seven games.

But they will be hoping to return to winning ways this weekend when they host Clifton at Warners Bridge.