I am delighted to say that Rob Powell (First team head coach) has agreed to increase his responsibilities and take on the role of "Head Coach and Head of Rugby". His responsibilities will include overseeing the men's rugby operation and managing the staff in this section including coaching, medical and administrative personnel.

This includes the newly appointed Head of Strength and Conditioning, Michael Crowley, who has been recruited from Ampthill Rugby Club.

Aligning with our ‘one club’ ethos he will also develop a coaching vision and strategy whilst also providing his support to bridge across all the playing sections.

Rob will report directly into myself as the RFC Chairman.

As you can imagine, recruitment has been challenging this year for a number of reasons. Despite this, Rob has done an excellent job of retaining nearly all of last season's players and attracting some exciting new players that I am looking forward to watching next season. He has also managed to entice some of our players that had left the club, to return and so I am optimistic about the new season.

Please provide all the support that you can for Rob in his new role.

Nick Preston
Chairman RFC