Rugby: Newport on collision course with Neil Back

Shropshire's top rugby union team are on collision course with an England World Cup winner next season.

Former openside flanker Neil Back, who played 66 times for England including in the 2003 World Cup, has signed a new-five year deal to be coach at Rugby Lions who play in National League Three Midlands – the same level at Newport.

Back, who resigned as head coach at Leeds after their relegation from the Aviva Premiership last season, has wasted little time completing his first coup with England sevens star Ben Gollings coming on board as player-attacking coach.

But Newport officials were today refusing to get carried away with the high-profile recruits to their league.

"It's a talking point but I'm not really fussed about it," said Newport team manager Gareth Davies, whose squad begin pre-season training tonight.

"All we are concentrating on is what we are trying to achieve.

"Fair play to Rugby Lions –they want to return to the higher echelons of rugby in this country and think this is the best way.

"I think they will find it tough but we will see."

The makeover at Rugby Lions is being bankrolled by former player and businessman Michael Aland who plans to invest in a 30,000 seat stadium with a retractable roof and hotel attached.

Newport entertain Rugby Lions on October 29.

By JAMES GARRISON