CHRIS Green has been named as Rochford Hundred’s new director of rugby.

Green ended his 17 year association with Southend in October.

But he is happy to have returned to Rochford where he played before making the move to Warners Bridge.

“I’ve only been at three rugby clubs in my life so I have an affinity with Rochford and I’m happy to be back here,” said Green.

“It does still feel a little bit strange not being at Southend from a friendship circle point of view because I had been there a very long time.

“But I left there because they didn’t want me and now I’m looking forward to a new challenge with Rochford.

“I know the people here and they are very ambitious so I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Rochford are currently ninth in the London Two North East standings and host seventh placed Woodford this weekend.

But Green will not be playing a prominent part until the start of next season.

“I’ll be having a look at a few things and assisting anyway I can but it’s more next season I’ll be looking at,” said Green.

“But I’m glad to be back involved with rugby on a more regular basis once again.”

The move to Magnolia Road also sees Green reunited with his former Southend team-mate Michael Guess.

Guess will continue to act as first team coach and he is thrilled to be working alongside Green once again.

“When someone like Chris becomes available it would be stupid to ignore it,” said Guess.

“He’s a good friend of mine and it would have been foolish to let this kind of opportunity go.

“I want what is best for this club and bringing in someone with the experience Chris has can only be a good thing.

“He’s been involved with rugby in the national leagues for a long time and he’s going to be making us stronger.

“I’ve taken a lot on this season so it’s going to be a big help and I know we will work well together.

“We want to see this season out strongly and finish as high up as we can but we’re also planning for next season because we have ambitions to move up the leagues and bringing someone like Chris is can only be seen as a good thing.”

Rochford, who won at Holt last weekend, will be without Nik Grier for this weekend’s clash with Woodford.

But Andy Baker has returned to the starting line-up after impressing at Holt.

Daniel De-Bellefontaine also comes back in to the team at centre to cover for the unavailable Marcus Spremulli as Rochford seek a third win in succession.