James will be re-joining Richmond after being a player coach here from Wimbledon and has a strong pedigree as a former player at Leeds Carnegie, Northampton Saints and Wasps. More recently he has transitioned into coaching roles at Old Elthamians, North Walsham, and Ealing Trailfinders, where he successfully led the youth-to-adult rugby pathway.

Brooks has commented: “I’m excited to be coming back onboard at the club, I have very good memories of from back in 2010-12 in a player/coach role. The playing squad that Powelly has put together is strong and there’s clear ambition to progress the club in a positive direction. I’m really looking forward to being part of that journey”.

Head of Rugby, Rob Powell had this to add: “We are really pleased to have recruited James back to the club having previously been a player coach here. He is an outstanding coach with a great reputation and will have a significant impact working on our attack structure and the backs across the performance squad. I would also like to thank Wimbledon for allowing James to be released in order to take up this opportunity. We wish to develop a mutually beneficial partnership to support rugby in the local area”.

Stef D’Anna, Head of Senior Rugby at Wimbledon RFC said: “James requested to be released from his contract for the forthcoming season. A last-minute opportunity has arisen at Richmond which we believe is an important career development proposition for James and re-enforces Wimbledon's important role in the wider Rugby pathway, not just for players but also coaches. We would like to thank James for his last two years of service and wish him well and look forward to keeping in touch”.