EX-PROFESSIONAL Dan Harris has returned to his roots by taking a role at Chinnor.

The 43-year-old, who grew up in Forest Hill, has been appointed assistant coach to the senior squad after helping out with some of the club's age-group sides.

Harris spent a season at Kingsey Road in the 1990s before turning professional, going on to play for Sale Sharks and Saracens.

The Oxford United fan - who attended the 1986 Milk Cup final - follows in the footsteps of his dad, David, an Oxfordshire Cup winner with Chinnor in 1977 before later joining the coaching team.

He said: “It feels like I’ve come home.

"It’s a really welcoming club and I feel like part of the furniture as there are so many friendly faces.

"I only played at Chinnor for a season, but my father was here for many years.

"I’m really enjoying the vibe at the Club and the culture Richard Thorpe has put in place.”

The former Magdalen College School played for Henley Hawks and Chinnor and later scored the winning try for Sale in the 2002 European Shield final at the Kassam Stadium.

Harris has been back at the Thame-based side since last summer, with his children all playing age-grade rugby at Kingsey Road.

He is also head coach of Chinnor's Under 13s and helps out with the under 9s and Girls under 15s. 

Director of rugby Richard Thorpe added: "Whilst Dan’s playing pedigree speaks for itself, his wider role with the club helps to further tighten the connection of our senior squad to our minis and juniors.

"Dan has also been coaching the senior squad since late last year.

"Already an invaluable member of the coaching team, I have no doubt he will continue his development as a coach over the coming season to become a huge asset to us in the future.”