Brighton College believe they have pulled off a coup by appointing former England and Bath prop John Mallett as their Director of Rugby.

Mallett, who left the Zurich Premiership club in the summer after 12 years at the Recreation Ground, took over on 1st September and Director of Sport Richard Halsall believes he has already made a difference.

Halsall said, “John has been an absolute sensation. He is a very good coach as well as being a very nice man. We are trying to make ourselves as good as possible and to ensure that the kids get the very best rugby education. Rugby in schools is just massive and to do it properly you need someone of John’s experience.”

Mallett said, “It’s a huge learning curve for me and I am enjoying the challenge of doing something different. I don’t miss the playing side that much - I am so busy here that I haven’t had much chance to miss Bath.”

The 33-year-old, who taught at Marlborough College in Wiltshire before rugby turned professional, added, “My Bath contract was up at the end of the season and there comes a time when you have to move on. This was a good opportunity to step into the coaching side of rugby.”