TAUNTON have appointed former England second row Dave Sims as their new player-coach.
The vastly-experienced 38-year-old, who had a brief spell at Taunton as player and assistant coach to Kevin Powderly in 2005, signed a one-year, rolling contract after being approached by Taunton.
Sims replaces Danny Thomas who was forced to leave the role after injury ended his playing career.
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Bradninch-based Sims asked to be released from his contract in 2005 after less than two months as he decided he wanted to continue his National League playing career.
He signed for Launceston and then moved to Exeter but rejoined the Cornish National One outfit who he played for last season.
Sims, who will meet with club officials tonight (Thursday), said he is impressed with the set up at Taunton and is confident he can help them achieve their ambition of progressing through the leagues.
He said: "I left Taunton because I was offered the chance to continue playing National League rugby which was something I wanted to do.
"But it's great to have the chance to come back.
"They've got a very impressive set up and there's no reason why the club can't move up through the leagues.
"I'm looking forward to having the chance to run something my way and I'm at the right age where I feel I've got a lot to contribute.
"I've already spoken to a number of players and am confident I can persuade people to drop down from National One or even the Premiership to play for Taunton."
Sims, who has coaching experience with Exeter's 2nd XV, is keen to continue playing for Taunton.
He said: "I still enjoy playing and I've still got the energy. I want to keep going because you're a long time retired."
The 6ft 8in forward spent the bulk of his career in the top flight of English rugby with Gloucester where he spent 13 seasons. His National League career also included spells with Worcester and Bedford.
However, the pinnacle of his career came in 1998 when he won his three full England caps on the tour to Australia, New Zealand and Australia. Even though it was dubbed the tour of hell' due to poor results, Sims recalls it fondly.
He said: "Results didn't go our way but I enjoyed it and it was fantastic to represent England.
"It was a great experience. Matt Dawson was captain and it was Johnny Wilkinson's first tour - he was 18 at the time."
Sims has also played for the Barbarians and has represented England A on numerous occasions.
Taunton are delighted to have recruited Sims. Director of rugby Lee Waddon said: "It's a fantastic appointment.
"It gives Dave Sims the opportunity to cut his teeth as a coach and it's a brilliant opportunity for the club to have a former international player on the park.
"His contacts in South-West rugby are immense and some of the players he's spoken about bringing to the club are unbelievable.
"Dave feels he owes Taunton something after what happened in 2005 and we're confident of moving forward under his leadership."
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