KRIS Chesney will not be resting on his laurels at the Southend Saxons.

The 40-year-old back row has already enjoyed an illustrious career, playing in the Premiership with Saracens and at the top level in France for Toulon.

But he is now desperate to secure more success closer to home.

“I’m a proud man and I’m coming to Southend to help them do well and to try to help them get back into National One as well,” said Chesney

“I’m not ready to hang up my boots, I’m still mad enough to enjoy playing and I’m very happy and excited to be at Southend now.

“I’ve been here before to help with the coaching and whenever I had a Saturday off I would come down and watch the first team play.

“The people here have always been very supportive and helpful towards me and now I want to give something back to them because this is quite a young team we have here and I will use my experience to help them.”

Chesney, who played for England’s sevens side and the under-21s, spent 14 years with Saracens making more than 300 appearances for the club.

He was then snapped up by Toulon where he played for three years before joining Esher in National One.

And he is now aiming for more memorable moments.

“I’ve been lucky to enjoy some great highs in my career and I've played with some of the best players in the world during that time,” said Chesney, who will coach the club’s under-16 side.

“Being with Saracens for so long and playing so many guys was a huge high and so was being signed by someone like Toulon at the age of 35.

“I had a great time with them as well and now I want more success with Southend.

“I’m not just coming here for a kick around with some mates.

“The team got in to a good position last year before having a bit of a blip and fallng away slightly.

“I want to stop that happening this time and I’m feeling good.

“I’m getting on with pre-season and I couldn’t be any happier with this next challenge that’s facing me.”