Westcliff have appointed Jacob Ford as Head Coach for their forthcoming National Two South season.(Photo Credit: Tim Browne)

Jacob is son of Rugby League legend Mike Ford and brother of George Ford,  the current England and Leicester Tigers fly half.

Ford is also is the youngest ever to qualify as an RFU Level 3 coach and after a spell with Loughborough University, the 21-year-old will be stepping into National Two South with Westcliff.

Wescliff finished 2nd in London and SE Premier last season before defeating Barnstaple 44-5 in the play-off to earn a place in the fourth tier.

"I think it's really exciting times for the club."

New @westcliffrugby director of rugby Peter Mahoney believes the club have brought together a new-look coaching team which will see them be competitive when they step up into the National League 2 South. pic.twitter.com/4xG6vysFSR

— BBC Essex Sport (@BBCEssexSport) June 20, 2019

Westcliff’s Director of Rugby, Peter Mahoney said: “We are very excited about this appointment.  Jacob is a very impressive young man with obvious pedigree and arrives after a season coaching at Loughborough University.  He’s perfect for Westcliff and will be working alongside our existing and highly experienced coaches!”

Skills Coach Kent Bray added: “Jacob fits well with every aspect of the club.  He’s talented, organised and motivated and he’s also very confident.

“Let’s be completely honest, it could appear from the outside that the club has taken a great leap of faith to appoint a 21 year old Head Coach ahead of such an important and challenging season but having met him and observed him coaching I would say the right decision was made.  In so many ways it is completely in line with the club spirit which promotes youth and values everyone for their talent and skills”.

Mahoney continued: “If you are an aspiring young rugby player then look no further.  We are creating a playing environment which is second to none.

“Jacob is a serious addition and will lead a group of coaches including John Rudd, Kent Bray, Joe Vandermolen and Jackson Wray and our youth pathway coach Jordan Turner-Hall that even before his appointment would already have been the envy of any club in the National Leagues!”

Westcliff begin life in the fourth-tier against Dings Crusaders on 7th September before facing Bury St Edmunds, Leicester Lions and fellow newly-promoted outfit, Sutton & Epsom.