New Member of U23s Coaching Team Announced
Navy U23 Head Coach, CPOPT Clayton Patilla (HMS Nelson) has invited PO AH Andrew 'Jan' Laity (RNAS Culdrose) to join his coaching team. Like U23 coach POAET Marsh Cormack, Jan was another of the RN Senior XV who undertook their RFU Level 1 coaching course last season. However, unlike Marsh, Jan has now retired from playing and his decision to join the ranks of Navy coaches means that his vast experience is not lost to Navy Rugby.
Prior to his retirement after last Season's Army v Navy game, Jan was one of the Navy's most experienced players. First capped in 1999, he represented the Navy for over a decade and was also awarded Combined Service honours. His return to Navy colours in 2008 brought big match experience to what was a very young Navy front row. It was during this time that his obvious potential as a future coach stood out as he accelerated the development of a number of young Navy prop forwards, and indeed his successors for the hooking spot.
Professionally, Jan is currently employed as a well respected senior instructor at the RN's Firefighting School at RNAS Culdrose. With a strong background of professional instructing and coaching experience, allied to his undoubted rugby knowledge, Clayton knows that Jan will further strengthen the RN U23s' coaching team.
Jan Laity in action at Twickenham