Welcome to my blog, where I will be sharing my experiences as a coach at Finchley Rugby Club. It has been an exciting start to my role, with dedicated players, hardworking staff, and a promising future ahead.

A little bit about me..

From the age of 6 I played rugby for Saracens, until 1999 when I was picked and played for England Under 16s. This led to the opportunity to attend Colston’s Collegiate school – at the time the best place to play schoolboy rugby.

At 18 I signed a contract with Bath Rugby Club and enjoyed three years there. Injuries started to take their toll and I played for Cleve in Bristol for a few great years before returning back to the South East with Chingford. I captained the first team there and would eventually take the role of Director of Rugby for a few years. I learnt a lot about the other side of the fence during this time. I took a pause from coaching to focus on teaching at Finchley Catholic High School, this being one of the main reasons I have become involved with Finchley Rugby as Dom Goring (current 1st Team captain) and Eoin Byrne were both in my first form class. I hope to be a strong link with players between leaving school and making the huge step up to senior rugby. Happily married and with two young children, I feel I can now get back to my true passion of coaching rugby.

Join me as I try every month to bring you behind-the-scenes efforts, player profiles and more.

The Senior Players:
I couldn't have asked for a better group of players at Finchley Rugby Club. Their commitment and hard work has been evident from day one. With each training session, we witness improvement and growth and it's inspiring to see their dedication and willingness to push themselves to new limits. The influx of some seriously talented Colts for some parts of the sessions has been great to see.

The Unsung Heroes:
Whilst the players take centre stage, it's important to acknowledge the hard work put in by the people behind the scenes. To mention a few of the many: James Clarke deserves a special mention for his relentless drive to improve every aspect of the club. Danny Vacca for organising fixtures and Padraig Lynch for ensuring professionalism and honesty in all that we do, his efforts are commendable.

Growing Numbers:
One of the most encouraging aspects of my time at Finchley Rugby Club has been the increasing number of players attending training. With well over 60 players joining us for the first five weeks of pre-season, it's clear that the club is attracting attention and interest. As a coaching team, we are focused on implementing structure to our game plan and enhancing fitness levels. The potential for growth and success is immense. We will be looking to have two strong sides every week with some of the senior well-established players definitely starting to feel the pressure from hungry, motivated players.

Friday Night Lights:
One exciting development at the club is the introduction of Friday night games. This new addition to our schedule brings a fresh energy and enthusiasm.

Personally:
My wife has made me promise not to play too much as my body is mostly held together with metal or tape but I am looking forward to the opportunity of joining the twos or vets’ team for a couple of run-outs. You never really know a player until you have stood shoulder to shoulder on a wet miserable January day in Hitchin.

A Sleeping Giant:
Finchley Rugby Club has all the ingredients to become a powerhouse in north London. The potential within this group of players is enormous, and it's our responsibility as coaches to nurture and develop their skills. With the support of the club and the dedication of everyone involved, we can awaken this sleeping giant and achieve great things together.

As I embark on this coaching journey at Finchley Rugby Club, I am filled with excitement and optimism. The players' hard work, the dedication of the staff, and the club's potential make this an incredible opportunity. Join me as I document our progress, challenges, and triumphs in this blog. Together, we can make Finchley Rugby Club a force to be reckoned with.