KEVIN Harman insists he jumped at the chance to take control of Rochford Hundred.

Harman worked at the top of the game with both Wasps and Gloucester after leading Southend to success towards the start of his coaching career.

But he is now relishing his role as Rochford’s new director of rugby.

“I’ve enjoyed it so far and it’s good fun,” said Harman.

“I’ve been out of full-time work since June.

“I did some work during the Olympics with the South African government and I’ve started working locally at Thorpe Hall School too.

“But I was offered the Rochford job which I took and it’s great to be back involved in a team.

“I’ve missed that because I was scouting with Gloucester after Wasps went under.

“I was pretty much on my own so I’ve really enjoyed being part of a team again.”

Harman also enjoyed his first game in charge as he guided Hundred to an emphatic 59-12 win against Stowmarket at Magnolia Road on Saturday.

But Harman will not be reading too much into the victory.

“Stowmarket are at the bottom of the league and there’s a reason for that,” said Harman.

“The first half was as good as we could’ve hoped for but the second half was disjointed and we went off script a little bit.

“I’m very pleased with the start but every game from now on will be much harder, that’s for sure.”

Rochford’s win moved them eighth in the Regional Two Anglia standings.

And the victory was also their first in a season which started with three defeats in succession.

“There was not a lot going on that was right but we’ve made some reasonable strides forward in the first couple of weeks,” said Harman.

“However, there’s still a lot to do.”

Rochford are looking to rebuild having been relegated in their past two seasons.

And, in a bid to help that happen, Harman has opted to appoint Chris Green as first team coach.

“Chris is a good coach and these boys have got plenty of potential if you coach them properly,” said Harman.

“That’s the key for us, coaching the lads and improving them.

“We’ve got some really good youngsters at Rochford and they’ve done a brilliant job on their academy.

“There are five or six really good players who will get better under myself and Chris.”

Green played for Harman while at Southend before enjoying a successful spell in charge of Rochford.

And Harman is now keen to secure “We need to stabilise them in this league after the first three games before I joined,” said Harman.

“Then we’ll look to get promoted the following year