Rouse is new Exiles boss after a Titanic showing

NIC ROUSE, the man behind the late-season revival of Rotherham Titans, has been appointed London Scottish head caoch for next season.

Twickenham-based Rouse, 37, played for Nottingham, London Irish and Sale Sharks as a hard tackling lock, renowned for his lineout expertise and graft.

In well over 150 games for Nottingham he was selected for the Championship Dream Team on no fewer than three occasions and has an in-depth knowledge of the Championship.

Since retiring through injury in 2016 Rouse coached at London Irish and, for the last three months, has been acting head coach at Rotherham Titans, leading their revival in the second half of the season including a good win in the derby match against Yorkshire Carnegie last Saturday.

Rouse, below, said: “I’m delighted to be joining London Scottish, a club I’ve enjoyed playing against during my time at Nottingham.

“The facilities at Lensbury are outstanding and the club environment is one that players and coaches alike can thrive in. I am also very pleased to be back in South West London with my young family.”

The Exiles director of rugby Dave Morris added: “The head coach role is an important development for us moving in to next season as we try to optimise our structure to drive performance on and off the field.

“Nic is well connected with the rugby community, especially in South West London, which will be beneficial across all of London Scottish.”

Morris admitted that Rouse’s good work at Rotherham was central to his appointment.

He said: “The turnaround in performances by Rotherham Titans since Nic took over has been very impressive.”