New Coaches
Whitchurch Rugby Club has unveiled a new-look coaching team ahead of the new season, led by Director of Rugby Danny Matthews.
Jimmy Lloyd, Stu Williams, Danny Matthews, Nigel “Pipes” Ashley, and Andy Paton
Matthews, who came through the ranks at Whitchurch Rugby Club as both a junior and senior player, went on to captain Leeds Beckett and Harrogate Rugby Club. He made over 200 appearances for Harrogate's 1st XV and also played for Wharfedale in National League One and Yorkshire Academy (previously Leeds Tykes). He brings a wealth of experience to the role and is excited about the opportunities ahead.
Supporting him will be Forwards Coaches Nigel Ashley and Stu Williams, along with Team Manager Phil Wynn. All three are well known at the club and bring a great deal of experience and knowledge, both on and off the field, which will be invaluable in guiding the squad this season.
The club has also benefited from specialist coaching during pre-season. Andy Paton has worked closely with the backs and attacking play, while Jimmy Lloyd has revamped the line-out and Russell Lear has been developing the front row. Strength and conditioning has been overseen by Kevin Haywood, Andrew Pickering, and Daniel Foster, ensuring the squad is well prepared for the campaign.
Speaking about the set-up, Matthews said: "We are in a fortunate position that we have an experienced coaching team that are all contributing considerably. We have an exciting opportunity this year, not only with talented new players joining the squad but also with experienced players returning to the club and committing for the season ahead. Last year's Colts coaches produced a number of quality players who are committed to the club — they deserve enormous credit for their work. What has really stood out to me is the culture that has developed within the squad; the players have set high standards for themselves, they support one another, and there's a genuine drive to improve together. That environment gives us a great platform to build from."
With preparations well underway, Whitchurch Rugby Club is looking forward to building on its foundations and heading into the season with confidence and ambition.
Chairman, Dave Windsor, says he is delighted to have old Whitchurch club players back as coaches. After having 4 coaches in 3 seasons this is a real opportunity for some stability within the club. I'd like to thank Andy Powell for stepping in at the last-minute last year, but it never really clicked with a tough fixture list travelling over 100 miles for 4 fixtures and ending up being relagated. We are now in a much more local league and the response to the fitness training and skills training has been amazing with over 40 at each session. With the 2nd team entering the RFU leagues as well we should be getting good competition for places. There is definitely a buzz about the club at the moment and hopefully a successful season ahead.
The Ist. Team are at home against Birmingham side Veseyians, with a 3pm kick off and the 2nd. team away at Essington. All supporters are welcome.
