Chris Downes has taken over as Director of Rugby at the University of Gloucestershire.

The all-action Old Patesians forward started coaching the forwards “four or five years ago” and was promoted to head coach midway through last season.

And while some residents in some of the quieter neighbourhoods around the town may not be looking forward to the students returning in September, Downes can’t wait for the start of the new term so that he can get stuck into his new job.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges that the job brings,” said the 35-year-old, who has had close links with the university for the best part of a decade.

“There’s always been a huge overlap between the Old Pats and the university. A number of the current Pats players are ex-University of Gloucestershire students.

“In 2007/8 we had a real purple patch of students joining the club and we got involved with the university and started watching them play on Wednesdays so we’ve always had a close association with them.”

The university’s first team play in BUCS Western 1A while the 2nd XV play in BUCS Western 2A and Downes has a clear idea about how he wants to play the game.

“I want to play a fast expansive style of rugby,” he said. “I want to play rugby that is attractive to watch and fun to play.

“Developing rugby players on and off the pitch is something that sparks me and I’m always amazed at the speed of students’ development.

“They want to be there, they listen and they want to learn.

“It makes coaching quite easy because they are willing students. They’re all friends and the camaraderie looks after itself.”

And it’s not just the flagship teams that concern Downes.

“A few years ago it was just a group of 25 guys playing rugby with about 40 registered,” he said. “Last season we had 90 registered and ran four teams.

“We’ve retained 70 of them for this season so we’re now hoping to top 100.”

Any new players that do sign up are sure to be impressed by the facilities on offer.

“We’re based at Oxstalls,” said Downes. “They’re building a 4G rugby pitch which should be ready in September so that’s really good news.”

While Downes is clearly relishing the chance to be the main rugby man at the university, supporters of Old Patesians shouldn’t worry about his commitment to their club.

Last season was his first back after a six-year break “after I blew a disc in my neck”.

Although he is now back playing the injury means the one-time tighthead can no longer play in the front row.

He successfully converted himself to a no. 8 in the club’s 1st XV last season and although he admitted to the “odd twinge” in his neck he is keen to play a leading role as the club look to win promotion from South West One East.

“Hopefully, if I’m selected,” he said. “There’s a lot of competition for places but I want to play my part.”