Richmond Director of Rugby Steve Hill has today announced that Defence Coach Rob Powell has been promoted to the role of Head Coach (Click here to watch club interview).

Powell will lead the Men’s Championship squad as they embark on an exciting 2021/22 season, kicking-off with preseason fixtures against Ampthill (Saturday 21st August) and London Scottish (Saturday 4th September).

The 40-year-old arrived at the Athletic Ground in 2014 and has played a significant role in Richmond’s recent success, culminating in promotions to the Championship in 2015/16 and 2019/20, and leading the Women’s Centre of Excellence Programme from 2017/18 to 2019/20.

Prior to joining Richmond, Powell served as Assistant Coach at London Broncos from 2007-2010 and Head Coach from 2010-12. He also coached the Lebanon national rugby league team in 2010, and was Defence and Skills Coach at Cardiff Blues. Alongside his Head Coach role at Richmond, Powell works as the London Broncos Head of Youth Development, overseeing the players and staff of the Academy and Scholarship programmes, who train and play at the Athletic Ground.

On being named Head Coach Powell said: “It’s a huge honour to be recognised with this exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge of the role, working with Steve, the coaches and the players to develop our playing style both sides of the ball. We have a huge amount of talent at Richmond and I am confident we will play rugby that will entertain our supporters and allow us to be competitive with the teams in the league.”

DOR Steve Hill commented: “Rob’s work as Defence Coach has been a key reason for our success and progress in recent campaigns. He has worked very hard to get to this point and I am extremely pleased he has accepted the role of Head Coach and excited to see how this will positively impact our performances this season.”

Preseason Fixture Dates:

Richmond Men’s 1st XV vs Ampthill
Saturday 21st August, KO 3pm
Richmond Athletic Ground
FREE entry – Click here for details

Richmond Men’s 1st XV vs London Scottish
Saturday 4th September, KO 3pm
Richmond Athletic Ground
£10 tickets (U16 / Season Ticket holders FREE) – Click here for tickets