DURSLEY Ladies RFC have appointed a new head coach ahead of the season. 

The club's new coach, Will, has experience at Schools 1st XV, University leagues and Provincial/ County levels at U14, 16, 18, 20s, Club 1st XVs in National leagues, Men’s & Women’s representative and international level locally and abroad.

He is founder director of the Cotswold Rugby Academy, a private rugby coaching business focused on developing players’ game sense, core skills and enjoyment of the game.

 Prior to coaching in the Gloucester Rugby Junior Academy/ DPP system for the past decade, Will has coached/ consulted for professional Academies in South Africa and recently stepped down as Head coach at Stow on the Wold RFC after a highly successful period under former Stow DoR and fellow Cotswold Rugby Academy Director Matt Carter.

He is a Level 3 qualified coach, is an RFU Coach Mentor and holds postgraduate Exercise Science and Strength & Conditioning qualifications under his belt.

He said: "Coaching is a privilege I don't take lightly. 

"I’m looking forward to working with the Ladies committee and playing squad.

"We want to do something special and leave a legacy for future generations to build on and take pride in.

(Image: Dursley Ladies RFC)

"I’m hugely excited about the opportunity to work with the Dursley RFC Ladies squad and helping them to continue building a special environment.

"I'm honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead this program and to work with some great women, the team have huge ambition and an exciting mix of experience, youth and enthusiasm!

"We’re going to work hard, have fun and make our community proud.

"We will need to work hard, be consistent in our efforts and application, enjoy the process, build a great environment and put a product out on the field that we're all proud of.”

Katie Thomson, Ladies chair, said: "2024/25 is a new era for Dursley Ladies RFC and we are excited is having Will join us as head coach.

"After a fantastic summer of watching sports at the top level, we are really hoping this helps motivate us as a team to go out there and enjoy ourselves this coming season.

"We are an amateur rugby team, whose ethos is all about getting groups of women together, to test themselves, increase self confidence, learn new skills and most importantly to have fun.

"And I believe having Will as our new head coach is going to make sure we continue to strive towards that."