MARK Cornwell has taken up the reins as forwards coach at Hartpury College, leaving his post as Gloucester Rugby academy manager.

Kingsholm stalwart Cornwell will assume immediate duties with the college, handling forwards and defence work at Hartpury's rugby academy.

That means Cornwell will work with teams at all levels with the college, from the Under-18s to the Saturday side Hartpury RFC that currently competes in National Two South.

The Cherry and Whites are currently in the early stages of the recruitment process for a replacement for Cornwell.

In the meantime junior academy manager Billy Clark will continue to oversee operations at Gloucester.

Hartpury sport director Matt Birch hailed the appointment as a big step for the college.

Birch said: "We are delighted to have appointed someone with the skills, knowledge and experience of Mark Cornwell to work with both our junior and senior academy sides.

"This appointment is further evidence of the growing and strengthening partnership between GRFC and Hartpury College."

Former Gloucester lock Cornwell made nearly 200 appearances for his hometown club, moving into the coaching set-up after retiring from playing.

Cornwell stepped up to become Gloucester academy manager after a stint as Cinderford head coach, and now shifts to his new role with Hartpury.

Gloucester and Hartpury have worked closely together to ensure Cornwell's move across roles has happened at the right time for both parties.

The move will not preclude Cornwell helping out in certain Gloucester coaching sessions if required, around his Hartpury duties.

To that end, Gloucester boss Bryan Redpath hailed the increasingly-strong relations between the two organisations.

Redpath explained: "The partnership with Hartpury is really starting to reap rewards for Gloucester Rugby.

"Individuals such as Henry Trinder, Jonny May, Dave Lewis and Charlie Sharples have all come through the Hartpury educational system and become first-team regulars.

"More recently Ian Clark and Ryan Mills have became the latest to wear the Cherry and White of Gloucester. The future looks bright."