Twelvetrees makes Hartpury coaching move

Billy Twelvetrees spent last season helping Ealing win the Championship title

Former England back Billy Twelvetrees has joined Championship side Hartpury as a coach following his retirement from playing rugby union.

The 35-year-old, who won 22 caps for England and toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013, has taken up the role of backs and attack coach.

The former Leicester and Gloucester centre ended a 17-year career with a Championship title with Ealing last season.

He will also help coach reigning Premiership Women's Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury.

"Billy is a highly respected player and his rugby brain is second to none," Hartpury director of rugby John Barnes told the club website.

"With his proven pedigree, he will bring a high level of skill and knowledge to the players, and the coaching team.”

Twelvetrees began his career with Bedford Blues before joining Leicester Tigers in 2009, where he won the Premiership in his first season.

He moved to Gloucester in 2012 and made 273 appearances in an 11-year career with the Cherry and Whites.

He was named club captain at the start of the 2014-15 season and led the club to their second European Challenge Cup title.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of an unbelievable rugby programme across the men’s and women’s pathway," Twelvetrees said.

"The production line of players and national titles is unrivalled, and I can’t wait to be part of that.

“It’s the start of my coaching journey and I couldn’t think of a better place than Hartpury to get going.”