With the new season looming, the all-new coaching team at Coleraine Rugby Club is already working hard to create a new vitality across the playing squads.
Moving down to Section 2 of the Kukri Junior League has galvanised the club and a new coaching structure has been announced. With new ideas, and a lot of players coming into the squad, spirits and expectations are high.
The emphasis will be on developing local Coleraine talent and that starts with the coaching team.
John Boyd and David ‘DD’ Andrews have been at the heart of many successful sides and now they are coming together to front up the coaching of the senior sides. John will concentrate on the forwards and DD will be looking after the backs.
In a new role as Director of Rugby, club stalwart Norman Blair will have an overarching role across all the rugby teams. The Seconds will be guided by Mark Giffin and Gareth McCallum and the Thirds will have Brian Kneeland and Andy Draycott.
Speaking this week John Boyd said: “Coleraine have been relegated and it has been a wakeup call for the club. Structures have had to be changed and we hope we have made correct decisions
“Section 2 is a hard league and the hardest to get out of. But it’s all to do with mindset and we need to turn Coleraine into Fortress Coleraine again.
“The club has invested heavily for this and future generations. We need a rugby team to live up to those expectations and our goal is to be competitive in Section 2 this season.
David Andrews believes relegation could be a blessing in disguise.
He said: “We are coming into this with determination to bounce back into Section 1. It’s not for fun and games.
“It was tough last year but we have to bounce back with bells on. We will complete hard and put together a really strong league campaign. We want to get that winning mentality back.
“We are regrouping the playing squad, the ones and twos together, and we want to develop players through all the sides. The threes had a great team last year and they are already looking better for this season
“We want to be very much a local side and we believe that is sustainable across the club. We will be developing the talent of every player who is putting in the effort and performance.”
There are a number of new, and some not so new, faces in on the scene for the incoming season.
John said: “Players can go elsewhere and do well but ultimately they want to come home, to wear the Coleraine shirt with pride and bring smiles back to the club.
“We are glad to see players coming back from senior rugby and from other clubs. Nial Irwin, Stephen Dickey, Adam Parke and Stephen Jefferson are coming back from senior league clubs, while Willy Hunt and Alan Gourley are coming back from other clubs
“There are other signings on the cards and we have only lost one player from last year’s squad. We have been working hard in the close season and we are now seeing the benefits.
“Now we need help and support from the club membership. The club needs to come together and get behind all the teams.
“We need to support each other and players need supporters. We need to win on the pitch and with the right attitude and support that is just what we will do.”
For now, and throughout the season, there won’t be any names on any shirts – every single one is up for grabs.
John said: “Everyone will be playing for a place, including those returning to the club – no one is guaranteed a place. They will have to earn it in training and matches – and that is the way it will remain throughout the season.
“Good performances will be recognised – but – there are only three teams so competition will be hot. And the competition starts on the training pitch.”
Rugby training starts in July. “Everyone is welcome to come along and join in training. People who have played before and those who want to learn. Those who have been playing at the club and those who want to come back to the club. Everybody is welcome.
“Sport is good. Get fit. Support the club teams. Come to the club and speak to us at training or ask at the bar for a contact, or ask any member of the club.”
The first training session is at 7.00pm, Tuesday, 15 July and 7.00pm every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter. There are also some special training events being arranged for Saturdays.
John has some very positive thoughts on how the season will play out.
He said: “I am confident we will have great teams this year. With hard work and dedication the Firsts will be knocking on the door for promotion and the 2s and 3s will lead their leagues.
“Last season we had good teams but now we are adding some more experience and we are looking good for the season.
“I am passionate about rugby and passionate about the club and a real believer in team players. I hope that will permeate the teams as well. Rugby is a team game and we will need to perform as a team.”
