FORMER Ebbw Vale supremo Alex Codling has landed a major job after returning to Harlequins as forwards coach.

The once-capped England lock has left his role as head coach of Championship promotion hopefuls Ealing Trailfinders to head back to the Stoop as assistant to new boss Paul Gustard.

Codling started his coaching career at Eugene Cross Park in January, 2006 and made a huge impression with the Steelmen.

He helped turn Ebbw from struggling at the basement of the Premiership into title contenders, with his exploits earning the coach of the year award for 2006/7 after they were pipped to the title by Neath.

The 44-year-old left his role at the end of that campaign because of the strain of travel from his London home, initially becoming director of sport at Trinity School in Croydon.

Since then he has climbed the coaching ladder with roles at Barking, Rotherham, Rosslyn Park and Ulster, where he was coach of the province’s A team.

Now he will step up to the Premiership and attempt to help turn around Quins’ fortunes after a miserable 2017/18 at the Stoop.

Codling said: “I have some special memories as a player during my time at Harlequins and am really excited about joining the coaching team of this great club.

“It has been a tremendous journey [at Ealing] culminating in the club’s highest ever league position in the Championship and winning the last ever British & Irish Cup. These are memories I will cherish.”

“I have known Alex for almost 20 years both as a player and a coach,” said Gustard, who left his role with England to take the Quins hotseat.

“Over the last ten years he has been exceptionally proactive and curious in seeking new ideas and developing his coaching skills.

“He is an enthusiastic coach who I have observed first hand elicit strong engagement and technical development with his teams.

“He is very detailed around the lineout and clearly has a strong passion in this area. I’m delighted to have him as part of our coaching group at Harlequins.”