CHINNOR say they are “not surprised” Craig Chalmers has joined Esher’s coaching team less than two weeks after quitting Kingsey Road.

The former Scotland and Lions fly half resigned as Chinnor head coach without ever leading them in a match.

He cited work and family pressures, plus the length of time travelling from his Surrey home, as reasons for missing a number of training sessions.

But Chalmers was unveiled as National 1 club Esher’s new backs coach this week, prompting speculation he had the new post lined up while still officially at Kingsey Road.

A Chinnor statement read: “The announcement on Craig joining Esher so shortly after prematurely leaving Chinnor has come as no surprise.

“We are over our initial disappointment at being let down so late in the day and are genuinely excited at the forthcoming new season with our talented young squad under our newly appointed joint head coaches Matt Goode and Andrew Smith.”

Esher’s rugby chairman, John Inverdale said it was not a quick appointment.

“The amount of interest in coaching at the club, from both home and abroad, has been extraordinary, and that’s why it has been a long process,” he commented.