Former Cornish All Blacks supremo Jon Hill is on his way to Exmouth as the National Three South West outfit's head coach.

Hill, 31, had almost eight seasons at the Launceston-based club. He handed his notice in last month, having been a player, then coach then joint-coach and director of rugby during his time at Polson Bridge.

Exmouth have been looking to revamp their coaching set-up for a while and have brought in Hill to head up a new team.

Working with Hill are two familiar faces from Polson Bridge: Jon Fabian and Dave Kimberley. Fabian will be coaching the back division and Kimberley the forwards.

Current head coach Nick Southern, appointed as a stop-gap five years ago after the resignation of Mark Tomlinson, will stand down and move to a new back-room role.

For Hill the switch will mean a change of environment from semi-professional rugby to a largely recreational game.

Hill said he was comfortable with the change and looking forward to a new challenge after his marathon stint at Polson Bridge. He is also looking forward to the eight-mile commute from his Exeter home, rather than the 100-mile plus round trip to and from Launceston three or four times a week.

"When I made the decision to leave Launceston the nearest club in terms of standard was Exmouth," said Hill.

"I did a training session with them towards the end of the season and really enjoyed it. Exmouth is a different environment as it is a family club putting out three Saturday sides – plus colts – and has a business plan based on sustainability.

"There is not the money at Exmouth to go for players, not that it is necessary. Looking around, I am happy with the players already at the club.

"Initially I have committed for one season, but I am a loyal person and would be happy being with Exmouth for the next ten years if we are going places together."

Hill also plans to register himself for action again, having stopped playing a year into his tenure at Launceston to concentrate on coaching.

"I don't intend to play every week," he said. "But I will be available for selection if I need to pick myself, which is going to be an interesting decision."

Chris Wright, Exmouth's director of rugby, said: "There are a talented pool of young players at Exmouth, who I am sure will benefit from the new coaching team. The appointment not only adds to our playing and coaching resources, but is a message of intent that we want to become more competitive in this division."