New Coaching Team at US Portsmouth
United Services Portsmouth New Director of Rugby Simon Burns has wasted no time in recruiting a formidable new coaching team.
Burns' new team comprises of a wealth of coaching and playing experience. In comes Brian Saunders as Forwards and Development Coach, Brian has vast experience, as a RFU Level 4 coach working in the community game, he also coaches in the London Irish Schools of Rugby Program and working with the Rugby Football Union as a licensed Trainer and Mentor.
Leighton Davis arrives as Backs Coach, Leighton a former U.S and Havant player, represented the Army and Combined Services U21s. He is currently coaching the Royal Artillery Corp side.
Will Brewer has recently moved into the area after having a successful career in the RAF and becomes the Defensive coach, Will a Level 2 coach has had experience as assistant coach at Bicester RFC and Gosford All Blacks and recently with Chinnor Academy.
Burns has also identified the need for a Strength and Conditioning Coach and brings in former U.S. Head Coach and current Royal Navy Forwards Coach Clayton Patilla to fulfil what Burns states ‘as an important role in the club' Burns stated ‘The main focus for this year is about Building for the Future and Developing the Players'
To achieve this Burns has also recruited current Head Coach for the Royal Navy Ash Coates. Ash will become the skills coach utilising his experience he has gained working with the Premiership Club Side Saracens and Rosslyn Park.
Completing his Team, Burns has appointed Dean Kedward as 2nd Team Coach. Dean steps up to the senior side after a period with the thriving Youth set up.
Burns is eager to set the right environment and expressed ‘I have brought in a mixture of coaches from all three Armed Forces and also Civilians to get the right balance for the team.
'Burns added ‘ The coaches matched with the facilities we can offer players is second to none and I look forward to the forthcoming season and the bright future ahead for United Services Rugby Club.'
Wiggy Bennett stays on as Team Manager and is keen to recruit new players.
If you want to be a part of the Club this season, pre-season starts Tuesday 5th June and Thursday 7th June 1915 at Burnaby Road.