Sutton & Epsom RFC coach Jeff Parsons admitted he is looking forward to facing his old mate Shawn Renwick when the pair clash this season.

Number eight Renwick has left Priory Lane to become a player/coach at London One South rivals Wimbledon.

He joins Harlequins Nick Easter in the Dons’ new-look coaching team.

However, as much as Parsons is relishing the reunion, he also admitted to being caught off guard by Renwick’s move.

He said: “I was very surprised that Shawn joined Wimbledon because he said he was going to stay around.

“It is probably his last year of playing, so maybe that’s why he’s taken a coaching role over there, but we wish him well.”

He added: “It will be interesting playing against him next year rather than having him on our side.”

Coming into Priory Lane ahead of the new season are former Sutton & Epsom men Mickey Pointing (hooker) from Worthing in National One, former skipper Steve Mumford (scrum half) from Dorking, and Craig Bellringer (prop) from Civil Service.

Parsons said: “It’s nice that the guys coming in are all former Sutton lads, and they’re young as well, around 25.

“Mostly players leave and then come in their 30s when they’ve had their time, but this is different.”