ASSISTANT coach Matt Ferguson has left relegated London Welsh after only ten months with the Oxford-based club.

Ferguson joined the Exiles in June last year ahead of their Aviva Premiership campaign.

While he leaves the club, former England Saxon and Under 21 hooker James Buckland has rejoined the Exiles as forwards coach until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old, who played for Leicester Tigers, Wasps and London Irish, was a part of Welsh's coaching set up in their 2012-13 Premiership campaign.

He also made eight appearances for Welsh while on loan from Irish in 2009-10.

Buckland said: "The invitation to join London Welsh until the end of the season was one I was delighted to accept, and I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to test myself in a Premiership environment.

“Despite the club’s league position I’ve encountered a positive environment.

"The players are all eager and willing to work hard to improve their game and to keep fighting right to the end of the season."

London Welsh director of rugby Steve Lewis added: “James has been on our radar for some time and I am very pleased that he has agreed to join Rowland’s coaching team.

"He brings a lot of technical knowledge of the set-piece, and we are already seeing the benefits of his experience among the players within these areas."