Barking RFC is delighted to announce that ex-British and Irish Lion and England international Ollie Smith has taken up the role of Head Coach at the club ahead of the 2016/17 season.

Ollie's playing career saw him represent the British and Irish Lions and England, whilst his club career was spent at Leicester Tigers, Montpellier and Harlequins.

Since his playing days were ended prematurely by a knee injury, Ollie has enjoyed coaching stints with London Welsh, Esher and Rosslyn Park.

Stepping away from full-time rugby, Smith has taken the Head Coach role at Barking RFC, which encompases the club's first team, as well as coaching at some of their partner schools as part of the Community Programme.

On the news of his appointment as Head Coach for an initial 3-year period, Ollie Smith said:

"I am excited by the challenge and the opportunity to be involved with a club looking to grow both on and off the pitch! We are not going to conquer the world overnight but we want to become a competitive and recognised club that plays good rugby at a decent level. We will support players in their development through and beyond the club yet still maintain it's role as a focal point of the local community and schools.

"We want players of all ages to come here, progress their playing careers and buy into the club. We want them to enjoy their time and make the most of being at a good solid club with great facilities and a proud history."