ENGLAND'S former World Cup rugby coach Brian Ashton has strengthened his ties with Wellington School - and with its head Alex Battison.

In a statement, the school says: "Wellington School has been delighted to welcome the legendary Brian Ashton MBE.

"Brian is the former head coach of the England men’s rugby team and, having been involved in the build up to the success of 2003, took the team to the World Cup final in 2007.

"He has recently been involved in the England women’s rugby set up, working in Premier League football and in New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and America.

"Brian has mentored our head Alex Battison in coaching and leadership development for about 12 years and is keen to support the school on our future journey.

He will be working with coaches across all our sports to develop them yet further and expose them to opportunities and connections they would not experience anywhere else."

Wellington School has a big sporting history of producing top sports students and has some of the top coaches in the country.

It also has some of the best sports facilties and grounds in the Westcountry.