Plans to bounce back from relegation are being put in place at Diss RFC following the appointment of a new lead coach.

Former Bury St Edmunds and Eastern Counties Under-21s coach Roger Coombs has been appointed as lead coach ahead of the new season.

Diss were relegated from London One North after finishing second from bottom, having won just three league matches all season.

Now they join Norfolk rivals Norwich and Holt in London Two North East but the club's hierarchy have made it clear they intend to try and bounce back at the first time of asking.

Coombs, who worked alongside Sir Clive Woodward at London Irish for four years, has returned to England after a year working as director of rugby for the Pakistan Rugby Football Union.

'Diss Rugby Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of a new coaching team for the 2014-15 season,' a statement on Diss RFC's website said.

'In an attempt to return as soon as possible to London One the Club have appointed Roger Coombs as lead coach. Roger will be supported by David Smith and Simon Cooper.

'Roger is a Level Three RFU and WRFU qualified coach, as well as being an RFU Educator.'

Coombs had also previously coached London Nigerian in London One and is now preparing his new squad for their first game, at Basildon on September 13, before their first home match at Mackenders against Saffron Walden on September 20.

The statement continued: 'David Smith has played both codes of the game, nationally and is also a Level Three RFU coach. He will bring a high level of commitment and work ethic to the club and will specifically take responsibility for the three quarters and the defensive structures within the first team squad.

'Simon Cooper, who took on the coaching role for the second half of last season (after the club parted company with former Norwich head coach Simon Hill), will act as a vital link between the senior squad and the youth and mini sections within the club.

'He will also take on responsibility for individual player analysis and development.

'These appointments by the club's executive register a huge commitment to return to London One and advance the playing standards within the club.'