London Scottish is delighted to announce James Buckland as their full-time Head Coach, the 32-year-old putting pen to paper on a two-year deal today.

A former England Saxons hooker who spent the majority of his playing career at Leicester Tigers, Buckland joined London Scottish during the 2012/13 season as forwards coach to work alongside then Director of Rugby Simon Amor.

Since then he has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young coaches in the country having taken over as Acting Head Coach at the beginning of this season when Amor left Scottish to become England Sevens Head Coach.

Together with backs coach Mike Friday, defence coach Serge Betsen and Head of S&C Tim Harper, Buckland has led London Scottish to the top half of the Greene King IPA Championship this season with a top four finish not out of reach.

Buckland said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working at London Scottish since joining the coaching staff at the end of 2012 and I’m excited at being given the opportunity to be Head Coach for the next two years.

“London Scottish chairman Sir David Reid calls the Club’s recent climb up the divisions ‘The Incredible Journey’.

“As we continue this journey, it’s both an honour and a privilege to be at the helm for the next two seasons.”

He continued: “When Simon Amor left at the beginning of the season the whole squad and backroom staff pulled together and continued to build on the foundations left by Simon.

“This is now our third season in the Championship and the progress made on and off the field during that time has been immense

“We have enjoyed a successful season so far and will continue to fight for a place in the end of season play-offs.

“However I’m already looking towards next season and building the best possible squad for the 2014/15 campaign.”

London Scottish Chief executive Kenny Baillie said: “I’m thrilled that James has agreed to become our Head Coach for the next two seasons.

“He is an outstanding young talent and we are delighted James has chosen to stay with us as we continue ‘The Incredible Journey.’

“Since he became Acting Heading Coach, London Scottish has enjoyed real success under his stewardship with a strong backroom staff and playing squad.

“Some of the rugby played by the side this season has been thrilling to watch and we hope that can be built upon for the rest of the campaign and the next two seasons.”