COACH OF THE YEAR
1. Simon Brown – Rugby School
This year’s celebrations of the school’s 450th anniversary have been a fitting climax to Simon’s career there. Over the past 15 years he has inspired hundreds of boys to “come and be part of something special” at Rugby. This season he organised one of the largest ever U18 Schools Sevens tournaments streamed to 100,000 worldwide and the Rugby first XV went unbeaten for the first time since 1978.
2. Adam Civil – Old Northamptonians RFC
Adam’s enthusiasm and drive have seen the U9s and U10s come on in leaps and bounds. He encourages children to follow their passion and develop at a pace that suits them. He has helped boost the number of active U9s to 48 registered players with more queuing to join. They enjoyed an Easter trip to Jersey and a tour of Exeter.
3. Joe Harwood – Newbury RFC
Joe is head coach of Newbury Ladies and Berkshire County U18 girls. He has racked up more than 770 hours of voluntary work and coaching and is coach, water boy and even physio to the teams. One of his strength is creating a positive rapport with players.
4. Calum Mills – Plymouth Argaum RFC
Calum has spent his life playing rugby, while serving with the Navy and also with clubs across the country. When Argaum launched their ‘Return to Rugby’ programme, Mills came is as a coach and made an immediate impact. He is a gem who makes every session fun and engaging and is a leading reason why the programme has been so successful.
5. Andy Neave – West Leeds RUFC
Andy has been head coach at West Leeds for 13 years. He has had an outstanding season and set a record at Twickenham when West Leeds became the only club to win the Senior Vase and Intermediate Cup back to back. In 2016-17 West Leeds were promoted to North East One, the year after winning promotion to Yorkshire One.
6. Joe Burden – Exeter Saracens RFC
At the age of 20 Joe has entered his first year of coaching and makes the 100 mile round trip from University to the Saracens’ home ground twice a week for training and match days. He prepares changing rooms before and after matches and organ- ises players post-training meals, plus arranging for guest coaches to give sessions on specialised areas.