19/05/2026
📢 Senior Rugby Leadership Announcement 📢
We are excited to announce our new Senior Head Coach, Clayton Saunders, and the wider Senior Rugby Leadership team for the 2026/27 season.
Originally hailing from Auckland, New Zealand. Clay has played and coached rugby for over 40 years. He joined Hove as a player when he arrived in the UK before going on to coach at Pullborough RFC, Crawley RFC, and East Grinstead RFC, winning several county and RFU championships along the way.
A club correspondent caught up with Clay recently and he had this to say. 💬
“I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious club like Old Reigatian. I can’t wait to meet the players and see all the talent the club has to offer. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season in July (the boys will be working hard!) and recognising the potential of what’s possible for the upcoming season. If you see me around the club, then do come and say hi, or kia ora as we say in New Zealand, and introduce yourself.”
Joining Clay in the Senior Coaching team is a familiar face in Doug Cooper (Coops), who takes on the role of Head of Rugby Development and Assistant Head Coach. Coops will continue to bring his energy and attention to detail to the senior set-up as well as oversee player progression across the club, working closely with the age group coaches on development pathways.
Rounding out the senior coaching group, we are delighted that Seb Driscoll is on board for another season as Forwards Coach. Having come through the age groups at OR’s, Seb is now a regular fixture in the Quins back row and will bring his set-piece nous and contact area expertise to the group.
Brian Small, 2nd XV coach, has decided to step away from the club and pursue other opportunities. We wish Brian all the best and will have further updates on the coaching team in the coming weeks.
Working alongside the coaches, a couple of familiar faces in Sam Foreman and Harry Smith will be coming in as Club Captains to provide senior leadership across the club and act as the links between players, coaches, and the wider club committee. A big thank you to Rob Forsyth, who is stepping down as Club Captain, for all his time and commitment over the last few years.
Finally, on the playing side, Tom Allen (Tallen) continues in his second season as 1st XV captain and Patrick White (Patch) will captain the Geese in the 2nd XV. Both Tallen and Patch will be working closely with the coaches and Club Captains on plans for the season ahead, creating a positive team culture, and driving high standards across the senior playing group.
A big welcome to Park Lane, Clay, and we look forward to seeing the senior teams back in action in September.
