Westcliff RFC unveils a ‘new look’ coaching team to take the reins for our first National League season and will include a European Cup Winner & Premiership Champion.
The club hasn’t rested on it’s laurels since the season ended, and have worked hard to assemble a coaching team that not only understands the club ethos of continuing to develop our home grown players, but also brings the skill and experience required to compete in the National Leagues.
We are therefore very proud to announce our coaching team of John Rudd, Joe Vandermolen, and Kent Bray along with Saracens double centurion and former Westcliff youth player, Jackson Wray.
Keeping John on board was very important for us. He has been an integral part of what we have achieved over the last few years, not just with our backs but also the squad as a whole. His energy and enthusiasm, along with his years’ of knowledge gained whilst playing Premiership rugby, has brought exceptionally high standards to the squad.
Kent has joined the team as our new skills coach, and will also work alongside John with the backs. Kent is an exciting addition to the coaching team, and the coaches and players will be able to draw on his wealth of rugby knowledge and experience, both as a player and coach at State and Premiership level in Australia and the UK.
Current Westcliff player Joe Vandermolen will become the forwards’ coach, whilst continuing with his playing duties. Joe approached us about the role and whilst this may be Joe’s first coaching role, he has already put in a huge amount of work and shown a hunger to succeed in terms of the role and the club. Joe also has a lot of National League and Championship rugby playing experience from when he played at a high standard after coming through the club’s youth set up.
Finally, securing Saracen back rower Jackson on the coaching team speaks for itself. To have someone of his stature is such an accolade and the fact that he is a former Westcliff Youth player makes it even more gratifying.
He will concentrate his efforts on the defence and breakdown area, and even though he will not be able to make every session, we are confident that every player in the squad will benefit from his knowledge and experience.
In addition to the coaches mentioned above we also have other exciting specialised coaches lined up for the season. As previously announced, former Harlequin and England Centre, Jordan Turner-Hall will work with our youth sides, developing our future senior players.
We hope you are as excited as us about these new assignments – Senior Squad Pre Season training starts Saturday 9am June 22nd at The Gables
All new players welcome Westcliff RFC no matter what age or level
contact – [email protected]
