Neil Back can bring success to Rugby Lions - Saunders

[dutchman]

Rugby Lions' all-time highest points scorer Eddie Saunders believes new head coach Neil Back is capable of bringing top-flight rugby to the town.


Back left Leeds after they were relegated from the Premiership

The former Leeds boss is aiming to take Rugby into the Premiership.

"I think with the right support, there's no reason why he shouldn't achieve the goal," the former winger told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire.

"Rugby Lions have got a lot of potential. He's got the opportunity to build on a foundation."

Saunders added: "That potential can be realised by the person at the helm."

It was announced on Monday that Warwickshire-born Back had joined the National League 3 Midlands outfit on a five-year deal.

The World Cup winner, who resigned from Leeds earlier this year, said: "This is an incredible challenge and one which, after a great deal of thought, I felt I could not turn down.

"It's a big call for me having coached in the Premiership and I have asked myself whether it's a retrograde step given how ambitious I am."

Back was convinced to take charge at Rugby by businessman Michael Aland, who plans to bankroll a rise up four divisions to the top flight.

"I received an approach from Michael in May, less than an hour after my resignation from Leeds," said Back.

"He sold me his vision of taking this club to the top flight of English rugby, while doing something really meaningful for the town."