Luton Rugby Club have announced a new coaching line-up to lead them into a new division.
Mike Coogan has been made director of rugby with Matt Allen, who led the club to East Midlands Cup success last term, becoming backs coach.
The former European Cup winner with Northampton Saints, who also retired from playing at the end of the season, will also maintain the clubs links with Bedford Blues and Northampton Saints, pathways that have seen Luton players gain contracts at higher level clubs in recent years.
Coogan brings a wealth of coaching experience gained from his time with Dunstablians in their most successful years but more recently his work with both East Midlands and Midlands XVs.
Head of rugby at St Georges School locally in Harpenden, Neil Harris, has become head coach of the first XV. He also contributes at Hertfordshire County and Saracens Development levels.
Bob Barba remains as head coach of the development XV but has also been asked to address forward unit skills across the whole senior club.
Chris Meehan (pictured) will assist Allen with senior backs coaching and will coach the development squad under the guidance of Barba.
Luton chairman Keith Butten said: “It is with great pleasure that we announce Mike Coogan as director of rugby. Mike will have a brief not only to ensure full support for our first XV but also to guide our other coaches to deliver excellence across the senior and colt age ranges.”
The Newlands Road outfit have also been transferred from National Midlands Three to London and South East Division Three where they last played in the 2007/08 season.
