FULL-BACK Karim Lynch vowed he would do everything possible to make his Bournemouth return a success.

The 29-year-old became the Chapel Gate outfit’s first summer signing as they begin preparation ahead of their South West Premier campaign.

Lynch was part of the Bournemouth squad that gained promotion to National Two South in 2012.

And the former Wimborne and Havant Flyer insisted he wanted to repeat the feat under head coach Will Croker.

He said: “I’ve moved back to the area as my girlfriend and I see ourselves settling here and it felt the right time.

“I’ve spoken a lot to Will Croker, the director of rugby, about his and the club’s plans and ambitions. I’m really excited to be back and will do all I can to make my return a huge success.

“I hope that I can add experience to the squad and play a role in mentoring the young guys coming through.”

Lynch has returned to Lions after a four-year spell with National League One outfit Ampthill.

He helped the Bedfordshire club finish fourth in the third tier of English rugby last season, with 19 victories from 30 games.

Bournemouth boss Croker insisted Lynch’s return provided his squad with a huge boost.

Croker added: “Karim is the first signing and a former player. It gives us a huge advantage that he already knows the place and some of the squad.

“We are very much rooted in the community and we want to bring on guys who have an affinity with the club and town.

“He is a wonderful player and fantastic character to have about the place. He knows how to make everyone laugh but takes his rugby deadly seriously.

“I’ve spoken to the Ampthill backs’ coach, James Prichard, and they are really sorry to see him go and recognise him as one of the best defensive full-backs in the game.

“We are signing him at an amazing time as he is 29 and at the peak of his game. He’s very composed under the high ball, has a huge kick out of hand and is a really good communicator. I’m delighted he’s back.”

Lions will be looking to push for promotion once again this season, having lost their southern divisional play-off to Guernsey Raiders in April.