Sparks ‘honoured’ to take over as Weston’s director of rugby

GEORGE Sparks has taken on the role of Weston-super-Mare’s director of rugby less than two weeks before the start of the new season after Sam Waterman decided to step down from the post that he had held for the past two years.

Sparks, pictured, made more than 250 appearances for the Seasiders, scoring 72 tries in the process, having made his senior debut in the 2003 Powergen Cup tie against Redruth. The No 8 was club captain for four seasons and represented Somerset.

The 39-year-old will combine his new task with that of director of rugby development, where he was concentrating on player recruitment, links with the community and player pathways.

“It is unfortunate that Sam has decided to step down, and everyone at the club, players and supporters, thank him for his commitment and drive during his time as director of rugby, said Sparks.

“I’m honoured to have been asked to take on the role at a club that has been part of my life for many years. I think that we have a good squad of players and coaches, and everyone is looking forward to finally getting back to rugby.” The former lecturer in sport at Weston College retired from playing in 2016 and moved with his family to Brazil to take up the position of director of sports at St Paul’s School in Sao

Paulo. Sparks returned to this country in 2019 when he founded Keyhole International Travel which is dedicated to offering its customers exceptional travel experiences where clients are individuals, groups and sports clubs.

Weston-super-Mare start their South West Premier league campaign on Saturday away to Bournemouth Lions, relegated at the end of last season from National League Two South. The Seasiders haven’t played competitive rugby since March 2020 due to the Covid restrictions.