Royal Navy Senior XV 2011/12 Season Team Support Group (TSG)
As the Royal Navy Senior XV prepares to get together for the start of the 2012 Inter Service Campaign, there have been a number of changes. The first was the location of the training camp, due to the lack of available accommodation within HMS Nelson the RN Senior XV had to look for a new home this season. A generous offer was made by HMS Sultan, the home of Marine and Air Engineering training in Gosport. Preparations have gone well and particular thanks go to the Base Commander - Cdr (John) Cunningham RN, the Base Warrant Officer, Physical Training and Exercise Rehabilitation staff who have worked tirelessly to facilitate for the teams training camp.
As ever, due to Service requirements and professional courses there will be some new faces donning a RN shirt this season. The squad will see some young ‘up and coming' talent from RN U23's as well as those who caught the coaches eye during the recent Inter Command competition.
Finally, the Senior XV Team Support Group (TSG) have seen changes for 2012 season and below is this years line up;
Director of Rugby (DoR) - Lt Cdr (Andy) Kellett RN
Andy has been involved with the RNRU (give or take a few deployments and injuries during his playing days) since 1984 and represented the RN Colts and Senior XV as a player between 1984-1997. He completed 2 stints as a coach between 2001-2003 and 2007-2010 before succeeding Lt Cdr (Geraint) Ashton Jones as DoR in May 2011.
Head Coach - CPO (Ash) Coates (1 PBS)
Ash has been involved with the Senior XV since 2007, predominantly as the teams performance analyst, a role he also conducts for The Premierships' Saracens RFC. This year has seen him take on a role as Assistant coach at Rosslyn Park RFC as well as the RN Senior XV Head Coach.
Coach - PO (Owen) Salmon (CHF HQ)
Owen continues to support the Senior XV for another season on the back of a successful Inter Commands where he coached the Naval Air Command to victory. His recent experience with the team, including the 2011 International Defence Rugby Competition in Australia last autumn, will help the new coaching team gel.
Coach - CPO (Clayton) Patilla (HMS Nelson)
Clayton is a RNRU stalwart having had experience coaching the RN Women and RN U23's in the past. After successful stints with the U23's, his knowledge of the younger members of the squad will be invaluable as the squad develops in the coming weeks.
Team Manager - WO2 (Glen) Humphries (HMS Sultan)
In his second year in the training camp team mangers role, Glen provides crucial continuity as well as local knowledge of the new training base at Sultan.
Team Doctor - Surg Lt Cdr (Owen) Rainey RN (HMS Neptune)
Owen continues his fantastic support this year both as the Senior XV team doc as well as coordinating the medical cover for all the representative sides.
Head Physio - Ms (Pippa) Band
Pippa has provided first class medical support to the Senior XV for a number of seasons and despite her reduced involvement this year due to her new post, she is an invaluable member of the TSG who always ensures the players remain ‘honest' about their physical condition.
S&C Coach - PO (Les) Dennis
Les has taken on the role of Strength and Conditioning coach in order to prepare the team physically for the campaign. His recent playing experience, coupled with his developing S&C portfolio, will bring an ‘edge' (as well as pain!) to the training programme for the team.
Team Management - Lt (Chris) Roberts RN (MASF - RNAS Culdrose)
Chris acted as team manager for the IDRWC2011 and brings that experience in to the management team for 2012, especially as the Commonwealth Cup 2012 is in Australia in the autumn.
Team Management - Capt (Scott) Ashley RM (HMS Excellent)
After a successful season with the RN U23's, Scott has worked hard in the background with player liaison, availability and discussions with branch managers, ships, establishments and Royal Marine units to maximise the Senior XV squad for the forthcoming season.
Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor - PO (Vic) Reeves (HMS Sultan)
Vic is new to the squad this year and will be advising the team on post injury rehabilitation and ensuring we have players available in optimum time post injury. Conveniently based at Sultan, Vic is a great addition to the TSG.