LONDON Welsh have today announced Rowland Phillips as their new defence coach.

Phillips has left his role as Neath’s director of rugby to join the Exiles with immediate effect.

A former London Welsh captain and Wales international, Phillips said “It’s great to be coming back to the club.”

Welsh have lost all nine games this season and lie eight points adrift at the bottom of the Aviva Premiership, so Phillips has his work cut out.