LIONS chairman Denis Eveleigh embraced an exciting new era at Chapel Gate but then hailed the outgoing regime by paying tribute to David Dunn.

Bournemouth chief Eveleigh said Dunn had left big boots to fill after confirming the long-serving director of rugby had stepped down due to “career requirements”.

Dunn, deputy headmaster at Ballard School, had been in charge of Lions for more than a decade and guided the club up the levels to National Two South.

And having helped them secure safety in their debut fourth tier campaign last term, Dunn was this week succeeded by former Scotland captain Budge Pountney.

Pountney won the Five Nations with Scotland and Heineken Cup with Northampton during a distinguished playing career in the professional game.

And Eveleigh believes he is inheriting a club in a strong position – thanks largely to the work of Dunn.

Eveleigh told the Daily Echo: “Dave is not leaving the club as such, he is stepping down as director of rugby. He has done a very long time at the club and he has done a fantastic job.

“Dave will still be around but he won’t have the lead role, which has been non-stop for him. He has got a pretty high-powered job and I think he wants to step back a little bit. He has been very good and fair and we have been in regular discussions with him.

“We have been looking around to see if we could fill a very big hole and, fortunately, we have been able to bring in Budge Pountney, who has got a fantastic CV.

“Dave leaves the club in very good shape and passed it on with his blessing.”

Southampton-born Pountney, who was raised in Winchester and lives near Nomansland in the New Forest, works at Totton College.

The 31-cap Scotland flanker also held the director of rugby posi- tion with top-flight Northampton after hanging up his boots.

Eveleigh added: “It is really quite exciting times for the club.

“We knew Budge was back in the area – he was born in Southampton and is a Hampshire lad – and had taken a full-time job at Totton College.

“He was director of rugby at Northampton in the Premiership and we had an idea he was interested in getting back into coaching.

“We told him about the club, our ambition and he said he was absolutely delighted to come on board.

“We are absolutely thrilled and delighted that he is coming to us. He is very high profile and it is a real coup for us. Hopefully, he will attract more players and support for the club.”

The Daily Echo was unable to contact Dunn for comment due to his work commitments this week.