FORMER Bournemouth boss David Dunn has been appointed director of rugby at London Three South West outfit New Milton & District.

Dunn, who led Lions to three promotions across more than a decade at the Chapel Gate helm, will oversee the existing structure at Normans Way with head coach Brendan Treacey and backroom staff Rohan Thomas, Aiden MacAllister and John Wood all remaining in place.

Last season New Milton finished seventh at the end of their debut campaign in rugby union’s eighth tier, with the club aiming for top spot next season.

And while Dunn, a level four coach who has trained England’s youngsters for the Rugby Football Union (RFU), was cautious over those lofty ambitions, he admitted the New Forest outfit’s floodlit training area, indoor training facility and extended clubhouse would assist his efforts to strengthen the squad.

Dunn told the Daily Echo: “I have been talking to them for a while and have been very impressed with the club’s approach both on and off the field.

“They are ambitious, have a good player base and a strong coaching setup. All the ingredients are there to build a successful team.

“Without doing a few training sessions it is hard to set immediate targets or set out any grand plans for next season, but there is plenty to work with and if my experience can make a little difference then who knows how far we can go?”