News

As the dust settles on another successful season - we look ahead to the up and coming campaign. The wheels have been turning behind the scenes and we have some announcements to make regarding the coaching setup and our preparations for the new season.

Firstly, as was announced on presentation night, head coach Matthew Tucker will be stepping down to take a well earned break from senior rugby. Once again the club would like to thank Matthew for the massive contribution he has made to our recent success both on and off the field. Matthew will still be involved in the club as coach of his son Dylan's u9's team as well as in his capacity as the clubs rugby safe guarding officer.

With Matthew moving on, the club has taken the opportunity to take a holistic view of the coaching structure across the entire senior section and have several announcements to make.

In terms of the 1st team - following the delivery of another National Plate, first ever Mid District Cup and a runners up spot in the league, the core of the setup remains unchanged. Steve Richards continues as backs coach whilst Richard "Paddy" Lintern and Paul "Dickie" Davies remain as team manager and fitness coach respectively. In accordance with our policy of developing from within where possible, we are pleased to confirm that hooker Gregg Haines will be stepping up as player coach to take on the forwards role. Gregg is currently a Level 2 coach and will be looking to hit the ground running as he embarks on his coaching career.

The mighty Troop will be looking to build on the success of last season and with our application to join the new WRU National second team league conference there are exciting times ahead. We are awaiting confirmation of the league structure and participants but we do know that admission will bring regular, tough matches as well as entry into the National Bowl competition, both of which are key ingredients to player development. The Troop ship will continue to be steered by clubman of the year Gareth "Ray" Bisp with Paul Ansell by his side as team manager. Last seasons forwards coach and general club legend Dale Powell will be taking a step back this year to spend more time with the family. The club would like to thank Dale for his commitment last season and we are sure you will be back when the time is right!

The Youth showed great character last season in a tough league with a very young side. With the core of the side remaining, next season should be a cracker! Last season coaches Martyn "The Rat" Rowe and Steve Cribb remain in place and are joined by last seasons 1st team forwards coach and club stalwart Geraint Thomas. Geraint will continue his coaching development with the youth and be in the perfect position to develop the forward skills of the next wave of Pitmen to come through the ranks. Bleddyn corns will als be stepping up from his u16's role to assist this years coaches. The club would also like to put on record its thanks to outgoing coaches Mark Williams, Gavin Thomas and John Powell who all put their heart and soul into youth rugby over the last few years.

Last but not least - the club are pleased to announce that Geraint Kettley will be returning to the setup as head of strength and conditioning with a remit to develop the S&C program across all sections of the club. With the way rugby is developing and the increased emphasis on training, the club feels that this is a key role in continuing our commitment to player development. Geraint will also be available for hair styling and tanning tips.

With the coaching setup now in place, a players meeting has been called for next Thursday 29th at 7.00pm to discuss arrangements for the coming season. Items for discussion include details of pre season, the new second team league, plans for another overseas tour as well as players day. All players new and old are encouraged to attend.

Last season was another fantastic effort from both players and coaches. The club continues to go from strength to strength both on and off the pitch. Here's to another cracker!