Ian Davies has been lined up as the new head coach of Haywards Heath.

Davies has resigned from his full-time post as director of rugby at Worthing. He is expected to take charge at Whitemans Green within the next month.

His arrival is the most eye-catching, and probably most surprising, among a series of changes at Heath.

Steve Heaton, the head coach who took the club to success in the London One play-offs and survival in the higher level last season, will work as director of rugby.

Former Bath and England prop John Mallett will help coach the senior squad, which is now captained by hooker Gordon Denslow.

Rob Outen has been made community development officer and former Sussex No. 8 Richard Siggs will take responsibility for developing the colts.

Officially, Davies's move will not go through until he completes his notice period at Worthing at the end of this month but the Roundstone Lane club have already revealed they are looking for a new coach.

Davies looks set to be in charge in good time for surely the most challenging season ever faced by a Sussex club.

As well as battling it out for survival, or better, in National Three South, they will also be tackling a second team fixture list which includes the likes of London Welsh, Blackheath and Caerphilly.

Davies has caught the eye with his efforts in guiding Worthing to two promotions and two Sussex Trophy triumphs.

He was a key figure in the coaching set-up which took Sussex to two wins out of three games at the end of last season and also has an excellent reputation for his work in youth rugby.

Nigel Richards, the newly-appointed chairman at Heath, said: "The depth of Ian's coaching track record and his excellent relationships with our players, 16 of whom played for Sussex, clearly identified him as the candidate best equipped for the job.

"Undoubtedly this is a good move not only for Haywards Heath but for Sussex rugby as a whole."

Richards revealed Heath had cast their net wide in a bid to find the right man.

He said: "The process began in early May and involved the review of several South African and UK coaches."

Worthing chairman Allan Imrie said: "Obviously we are disappointed that Ian has decided to leave the club but perhaps his and our progress had run its course and it is the right time for a fresh approach."

In a separate move, Davies has been appointed head coach of the Sussex team.