Former England scrum  half Peter Richards is set to join the London Scottish push for promotion next term as backs coach.
 

The 36-year-old, who ended his playing career in 2010 due to a back injury, will join head coach James Buckland’s back room team – which also boasts ex-France internaional Serge Betson.
 

Scottish continued preparations for next term with the signing of Jersey’s 24-year-old flanker Fred Silcock and Bristol’s ex-London Welsh  32-year-old full-back Errie Claassens.
 

“Errie has a point to prove and gives us excellent options in the back three,” said Buckland.

Silcock, who signed a one-year contract at the Athletic Ground will fight it out with Championship player of the year nominee Mark Bright, Chevvy Pennycook, Neil Best and Ben Russell for a back row starting spot.

But the former Loughborough Students star is up for the challenge.

"Some of the boys in the back-row have formidable reputations and I cannot wait to play with players of that calibre,” Silcock said this week.

"Mark Bright has made an unbelievable impression in the Championship and he is a great person to have captaining the team. I'm looking forward to working alongside him.
 

"Neil Best is another player with a big personality who will be good to have around the club.”

He continued: "When I spoke to James Buckland, London Scottish felt like a perfect fit for me.
 

"The set-up is really good and everyone seems very welcoming.

"I also really like the way London Scottish play and hopefully I can make a real impression next season.”

 

* London Welsh host Bristol in the Championship play-off final  first-leg next Wednesday in Oxford.
 

Head coach Justin Burnell’s men overturned a seven-point first-leg deficit  to beat Leeds Carnegie 60-58 on aggregate after a 29-20 semi-final second leg win on Sunday.