Jacob Ford is named new head coach at Westcliff Rugby Club

Jacob is the son of Rugby League legend and former England defence coach Mike Ford and the brother of George Ford, the current England and Leicester Tigers fly half.

The 21-year-old is also the youngest ever to qualify as an RFU level three coach.

And Westcliff's director of rugby Peter Mahoney is happy to be welcoming Ford to the club.

“We are very excited about this appointment," said Mahoney.

"Jacob is a very impressive young man with obvious pedigree and arrives after a season coaching at Loughborough University.

"He’s perfect for Westcliff and will be working alongside our existing and highly experienced coaches."

Westcliff won promotion from the London & SE Premier Division last term.

And skills coach Kent Bray feels Ford's appointment will enable the progress to be continued.

“Jacob fits well with every aspect of the club," said Bray.

"He’s talented, organised and motivated and he’s also very confident.

"Let’s be completely honest, it could appear from the outside that the club has taken a great leap of faith to appoint a 21-year-old head coach ahead of such an important and challenging season but having met him and observed him coaching I would say the right decision was made.

"In so many ways it is completely in line with the club spirit which promotes youth and values everyone for their talent and skills”.

And the club are still keen to recruit more young players.

Mahoney added: “If you are an aspiring young rugby player then look no further.

"We are creating a playing environment which is second to none.

"Jacob is a serious addition and will lead a group of coaches including John Rudd, Kent Bray, Joe Vandermolen and Jackson Wray and our youth pathway coach Jordan Turner-Hall that even before his appointment would already have been the envy of any club in the National Leagues."

Westcliff train at their ground on Aviation Way on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30pm and Saturday mornings at 9.00am.