Neil Back is determined to steer Rugby Lions back into the top flight after accepting an approach to become head coach of the fifth-tier club.

Back has signed a five-year contract, accepting a significant step down in level having resigned from Aviva Premiership outfit Leeds at the end of last season.

Rugby, who play in National League 3 Midlands, are being bankrolled by former player and businessman Michael Aland, but Back insists his decision was not based on money.

He said: "This is an incredible challenge and one which, after a great deal of thought, I felt I could not turn down. I received an approach from Michael in May, less than an hour after my resignation from Leeds was announced.

"He sold me his vision of taking this famous club back to the top flight of English rugby, while doing something really meaningful for the town.

"It's a big call for me having coached in the Premiership and I have asked myself whether it's a retrograde step given how ambitious I am.

"It's not about money. Nor is this is an easy option by any stretch of the imagination, which is why I asked for a five-year contract.

"But I believe that turning around Rugby and getting the club to the Premiership would be a significant achievement and one I can use as a stepping stone to coaching at the very highest level."

PA Sport