Former Leicester Tigers centre Ollie Smith has been named as new head coach at Esher Rugby.

Smith, a Premiership and Heineken Cup winner in his time with Tigers, has been at Harlequins since his return to England from a spell in Montpelier but suffered a serious knee injury last season.

He coached Esher’s backs this year and now steps up to head coach, with former Saracens lock Kris Chesney as assistant.

Esher will play in National One next season and Smith said: “This is a special club and I am hugely excited about what lies ahead.”

Smith, who will be 30 this August, played 182 times for Tigers, scoring 28 tries.

Esher chairman of rugby John Inverdale said: “We were overwhelmed by the interest shown in the positions from both at home and overseas, and it has taken us a long time to sift through the many options and permutations. Ollie and Kris bring huge experience of top-class rugby to the club and we are all looking forward to what the next season will bring.”