A six-week spell coaching at Rosslyn Park earlier this year was enough to convince Alex Codling it was the right club for him.

The former England international – capped once against Argentina in 2002 – was named as Park’s new head coach on Wednesday and drops down from Championship side Rotherham Titans to take over the reigns when current incumbent Jan Bonney leaves in the summer.

The 39-year-old took Barking to the brink of National One promotion in 2011 before losing out to London Scottish on the final day of the season, but he is not setting a promotion target for Park.

“Rosslyn Park is a really good club with a great feel about it and I am looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

“I was here earlier in the season for six weeks working with them as a consultant and had a very enjoyable time.

“It is a fantastic set up across the field and the boys are very receptive.

“But I will never set targets such as promotion. The aim is just to keep pushing on from this year.”

It was announced last week that Bonney’s two-year tenure in charge of Park would come to an end this summer and Park have chosen to replace his full-time role with a part-time one.

Codling turned out for Saracens and Harlequins during his playing days and has enjoyed a successful coaching career since retiring.

He was named Welsh Premiership coach of the year after leading Ebbw Vale to runners-up spot having saved them from relegation the season before and has also been forwards coach at London Welsh and London Scottish.

“I’m really delighted we’ve been able to bring on board a coach of Alex’s proven skills and experience,” said Park’s managing director Shaun Justice.

“I have long been an admirer of both his coaching and of the style of rugby that he encourages his teams to play.

“I believe Alex is the man to take us on to the next level.”