It is a genuine honour to be named as Chelmsford Rugby Club’s Director of Rugby & Head Coach for the coming season. I have played against Chelmsford many times and one of my earliest Rugby memories was playing for Brentwood as an 11 year old at the legendary mini festival some 30 years ago or so. Having met with the clubs management committee a couple of weeks back it was clear to me that Chelmsford is a club with its head screwed on. It has ambitions that match my own, but a pragmatic outlook on how these goals can be achieved. With the talent in the current squad and an exciting colts side on the cusp of senior graduation it's an exciting time to be involved. The thriving ladies section with its numerous committed and talented players is another impressive aspect that sold the job to me. With arguably the strongest youth set up in Essex, the club has a very bright future indeed.

So, a little about my background...

Most recently I worked as Performance analyst & skills coach for Southend Saxons. Whilst with the Saxons I developed an analysis system to measure Key Performance Indicators, providing objective feedback to coaches, the team and individual players so areas for development, or strength could be identified. Alongside the Performance Analysis, using video captured of games, I would identify areas in the team’s tactical play or where an individual’s skill execution needed work. Using this information, I could then work with the players concerned to address the issues identified using both video feedback and coaching sessions out on the training field.

Prior to this I spent 2 seasons as Head Coach of Basildon RFC. I started coaching the senior sides at Basildon in July 2014, initially as an assistant coach, but after the incumbent Head Coach left two weeks in to the season I was promoted to the position of Head Coach. This was a tremendously challenging period for Basildon Rugby Club, but having played youth and senior Rugby for the club I felt driven to help stabilise the club and to get them through this tough period. I inherited a squad of players, decimated by injuries and retirement. Consequently, the pool of players capable of the level of Rugby the club was at was low and training numbers and attitude were at times dire. Whilst the first season was extremely hard, towards the end of the first season a small group of young players started to emerge, training numbers and attitude improved, and a few green shoots of progress could be seen. Preseason prior to my 2nd season as Head Coach was an opportunity to improve fitness levels, player recruitment and readiness for the season ahead. I was able to install my choice as Club Captain which had an instant galvanising effect and we recruited over 10 players without any financial investment. Consequently, the clubs league performance was much improved and for the first time in 3 years the club fielded 3 senior sides, regularly throughout the season. I was offered the role of Director of Rugby at Basildon but opted to move on at the end of my 2nd season, feeling satisfied with the progress the club had made during my tenure.

My coaching philosophy is based on developing an environment that emphasises enjoyment of the game, commitment to training & preparation is a key aspect and respect for the game & people who take part in it are equally important. Better people make better Rugby players. Winning is a vital part of this, but the focus is on the process of winning, rather than simply the scoreboard. By creating a positive, supportive culture, that people want to be part of & contribute to, winning becomes the end product of the ongoing investment in the process. Along with my Rugby experience and my coaching philosophy, I have an in depth understanding of Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning and Physical Therapies. This multidisciplinary knowledge base allows me to coordinate an integrated approach to coaching, training, fitness & injury rehabilitation aimed at maximising time on the pitch and performance of the players I work with.

Preseason is just 6 weeks away now and I cannot wait to get cracking!

Your DOR & Head Coach