ENGLAND Women’s World Cup winning boss Gary Street is the new head coach at Basildon Rugby Club.

The 46-year-old masterminded England’s memorably triumph in Paris last summer.

But he now wants to work his magic on Basildon, who struggled in London Two North East season.

“I left the RFU after Christmas and had a nice long break with my family, but then decided I better start doing some work again,” said Street.

“I was looking around for what to do next and saw that there was an opportunity to do that here.

“It all went from there really and I’m massively excited to get back into rugby by coming here.

“I know it’s a challenging project but hopefully I can entice a few players to come down here and I can help the club have a much better season.”

Basildon finished second from bottom last time around.

But Street, who is also coaching the women’s team at Oxford University, has no qualms about working at a far lower level.

“I enjoy coaching at whatever level and I think I can make a difference here so it appealed to me,” said Street, who is based near Twickenham. “It’s great to put something back into the game and it’s all gone full circle for me now.

“Back in 1991, when I first started coaching, I was at a junior rugby club and a university team and I’m doing the same again now.

“But my priority now is to get this club back on track. I want to get my ideas across to them and see what we can do.

“I know they had a lot of injuries last year, but I hope we get everyone fit this year and play the type of rugby I want to see.”

Street met the squad for the first time last week as Basildon start preparing for the new season which starts in September.

But he insists his methods will not need to change at Gardiners Close.

“You just have to understand the player,” said Street.

“Whether or not it’s a six-year-old boy or a 30-year-old female, it’s just about knowing the group and how to get the best from them.

There are a few subtle differences and there’s less chat from the boys because the girls like to ask more questions.

“However, apart from that you just have to make sure it’s enjoyable and that people are learning and improving.

“That’s certainly what I will be looking to achieve with Basildon.”

>BASILDON are keen to recruit new players ahead of the forthcoming season.

Training sessions take place every Tuesday and Thursday evening at their Gardiners Close base.

For more details, visit www. pitchero.com/clubs/basildon