13/06/2026
A first look at our new set up for the upcoming season!
First of the club would like thank outgoing Vice President/President John Tait for his great work over the last few seasons and we hope he now has that little bit more time to go watch his sons in the English Championship, John will still continue as a valued member of our committee like he has been for a number of years now.
We would also like to thank outgoing coaches Simon Spalding and Lee Stewart who have been monumental in leaving us in a far better place. Both coaches let us know at the start of last season this would be there last for now and we appreciate the time they gave us to sort out our new setup.
Simon took over 4 years and ago with Lee shortly following and both have gave up an enormous amount of time to ensure the club had a future and capped it all off with a league/cup double last season along with a trip to Murrayfield, this seen us promoted to East 2.
We appreciated all the hard work both coaches have gave and we are sure we will see them back in working alongside us in years to come.
This season Kieran Murphy will continue as president with hard working committee man Rory Hume coming in as his vice.
Rory regularly attends training nights, at almost every game, function and all meetings and has been a massive help in and around the club last season so was an obvious choice for the role. Finding someone committed nowadays is definitely a task and he certainly fits that bill, we look forward to see where he can help take the team too.
This season we have set up a coaching group with Keith Hedley at the head.
Keith’s assistant will be Stephen Hill and we have 2 forwards coaches in Reece Hartdegen/Keith Graham with Greg Cottrell/John Frew taking up the backs.
Keith Hedley who joined the club last season dived right into his role and has been ever present since, he brings a wealth of knowledge which certainly help the team last year.
Stephen ‘Hilly’ Hill returns to the club for the first time in a few years and it’s great to see him back. He is no stranger to East 2 and helped us win the undefeated league title back in 2018/19 so it’s great to see him back in the fold.
Reece Hartdegen has been at the club a few seasons now and his commitment to rugby in all aspects is 2nd to none. Coaching the Youth and ourselves alongside refereeing it’s great what you do for the community and it’s great to have you back for another year.
Our newcomers to the coaching setup is other forwards coach Keith Graham and backs coaches Greg Cottrell and John Frew.
Keith brings a wealth of knowledge, having been involved in the game for a substantial number of years, to have him working alongside colleague Reece in the forwards is something that should work very well and we look forward to see how he takes on the role.
Greg’s appointment speaks for itself, his experience at a high level brought great results to our team last season whilst on the field, really bringing the young boys on and showing them a different side to the game. Greg will be taking on a player/coach role so it’s great to see him still pulling the boots on. For the short period time he’s been here he’s certainly made his mark.
John Frew sadly sustained a career ending injury in Aprils National Bowl Final which was horrible to see. Rugby was a massive part in Johns life and it’s great to see him wanting to still be involved with the club. He will be a massive miss on the park but if he can mould any player into how he played then we are in good hands.
Finally the medical team, the ones who kept the players right all season.
Aimee and Mark return for another season which is great to see, Aimee deals with the tapings and and the on pitch injuries with Mark dealing with the sports rubs and any rehabilitation that anyone needs. Both Aimee and Mark are great around the club and also do what they can when they can no matter the task.
Season 26/27 is now in place and keep your eyes peeled for the information on training/events coming soon!
