The final act of Sutton & Epsom’s out-going head coach Jeff Parsons could be the catalyst for success next season.

After just missing out on promotion out of London One South, Parsons decided to step down to forwards coach.

However, before he did, Parsons welcomed back old friend and England international Paul Hodgson to the Rugby Lane ranks ahead of next term.

Scrum-half Hodgson left Sutton & Epsom in 2001 to embark on a professional career that took in 181 senior appearances at Bristol Rugby, London Irish and Worcester Warriors.

The 32-year-old also pulled on the white shirt of England nine times, making his debut in the 2009 Six Nations clash with Ireland.

Parsons: Title should have gone to Chobham

Parsons said: “Paul and I go back a long way - we played first team rugby together. We went all the way through the age groups before it was clear he was destined for bigger and better things.

“A couple of years ago, he took up a coaching role at London Irish, and had been helping out at Dorking as well, but he always said he’d come back to Sutton.

“He realised he still had something to offer on the pitch, so he will come to us as a player-coach.”

He added: “Having someone of Paul’s calibre at the club means we can attract some good names over the summer, but it also means we will keep hold of some of our key players.

“He’ll also be a great inspiration to the younger lads too, they will see that someone from the club has played the highest level, and they can do the same.

“Hopefully Paul’s presence and experience will drive us on next season.”