CINDERFORD tight-head prop Neil Bayliss has joined National Two rivals Launceston after just one season at the Foresters, writes Will Wood.

The 31-year-old was a regular starter in the Dockham Road outfit's front row, helping them to an impressive fifth-placed finish in their debut season in the third tier of English rugby.

But Bayliss, who lived in Winchcombe, has now made the move to Cornwall to join the All Blacks for work reasons.

All Blacks' director of rugby Jon Hill said: "He is a quality tight-head who has played against us a number of times.

"We are quite fortunate that he is moving down to the area to set up a bakery in Lostwithiel, and the fact we moved quickly when alerted to that news is why we have been able to secure his services.

"We definitely needed to strengthen that area of the team. We have already signed Bruce Pow, and Neil's signature suggests we have got a lot of strength in that area now, with Mark Manton and Andy Knight also there.

"He is experienced and knows this division really well."

Bayliss made 15 appearances for Cinderford last season and originally signed from National One outfit Moseley last June after three years at Billesley Common.

First-team opportunities at Moseley had become difficult to come by as Bayliss was competing with then Gloucester youngster Jack Forster for a regular starting place.

Launceston finish seven points behind Cinderford in seventh place last year and won 22-20 in September in the Foresters' first away game in National Two.

But revenge was gained at Dockham Road in March when Cinderford ran riot in a convincing 46-15 reverse of fortunes.

Bayliss has also played for Cheltenham and Gloucester.