Bridgwater & Albion RFC Welcomes new coaches

AN Other | 28/06/2016

Simon Morrell & Brad Field

Bridgwater & Albion RFC are pleased to announce their coaching structure for the 2016/17 season. Chair of Rugby Gary Allen said that we are delighted that the club has secured the appointment of Simon Morrell as the clubs Head Coach. Gary added that it is great to see Simon back at College Way, where he has previously spent time as a player.
Simon’s previous playing experience includes spells at Launceston, Exeter, Bridgwater & Albion and Hartpury College. He has gained representative honours with Gloucester A, Bath Development, Southwest U18, England Colleges and Devon.
Simon is an RFU Level Two coach who holds a BSC Honours Degree in Sports Conditioning and Coaching.
Simons coaching experience includes Head of Rugby Tiverton High School, Head Coach Teignmouth RFC and Head Coach Devon RFU.
Bridgwater & Albion RFC first team manager Geoff Sluman said the combination of playing experience, previous coaching experience and qualifications makes Simon an ideal person to lead the Bridgwater & Albion Coaching team.
Simon’s previous achievements include Devon and Cornwall League Winner 2012-13, South West Schools Rugby League Winner 2012-13, South West One play off 2013-14, Western Counties League Winner 2014-15, Devon Intermediate Cup Winner 2014-15.
Simon added Having returned to Bridgwater with Teignmouth RFC last season, I was reminded of what a special club this is. I must say it seemed a little odd turning right at the entrance to the away changing rooms that day, and I am very pleased to say that next season it will be a left turn once again to the home side. I owe Bridgy a great deal of gratitude, for the way the developed me as a player. I spent two thoroughly enjoyable seasons at College Way and the highlight for me was that Cup run which ended in defeat to Harlequins. It is now my intention to put a great deal back into the club and I am really excited about the challenge and look forward to supporting such a talented group of players.
To work alongside, Head Coach Simon Morrell, the club are also pleased to announce the appointment of Bradley Field as Player and Backs Coach.
Brad has most recently been playing for the Doncaster Knights and he was a member of the match day squad that played against Bristol RFC in the Championship play-off to reach the premiership at the end of the 2015/16 season. Bridgwater & Albion RFC Chair of Rugby Gary Allen said that Brad could easily have been a part of a Premiership squad this season, had Doncaster Knights gained promotion, and we are fortunate that he has decided to return to his native Somerset and extremely pleased he has chosen to be a part of the set up at Bridgwater & Albion RFC.
Prior to moving to South Yorkshire, Brad was contracted to Premiership outfit Gloucester, he spent time playing on a dual-registration basis for Hartpury College, where he had previously studied as well as regularly representing Gloucester United in the Premiership A league. During his time as a student at Hartpury, Brad won two BUCS Championship titles, helped the students to win promotion to National Two South and was selected to represent England Students.
First team manager Geoff Sluman said that Brad’s recent Championship playing experience will benefit many of the current players. He brings a great deal of experience as a player and masses of enthusiasm as a coach. He is is very ambitious with a great work ethic. Brad will be assisted by senior players Jervis Manupenu and Rob Allen.
Brad said that I am pleased to confirm that I will be joining Bridgwater & Albion as player backs coach this forth coming season. After taking Bristol to a close finish in the championship a couple of weeks ago, I have first-hand knowledge of team spirit, ethos and skill level required to build, develop and deliver success. I am looking forward to being part of an exciting player / coaching team, and I am looking to a hard working enjoyable journey with Bridgwater this coming season.
Exeter Chiefs Prop Carl Rimmer has also been retained as a specialist coach at Bridgwater & Albion for the 2016/17 season. Carl, sponsored by Britannia Lanes, made a big contribution in the previous season.

Carl Rimmer at BARFC

Bridgwater & Albion RFC Chairman Steve Smith said that he welcomed Simon and Brad to the club and expressed his delight at Carl Rimmer agreeing to work with the club for another season. We are delighted that they have all agreed to come to Bridgwater & Albion RFC and we believe that they will bring a lot of knowledge and experience. We also know that players like Jervis Manupenu and Rob Allen will add even more to our coaching structure. The club has a strong commitment to our players in trying to offer them the strongest possible support in helping them develop their potential. I am also pleased to confirm that Simon Ranson will continue as 2XV coach as the second team prepare to compete in the Somerset Premier league after gaining promotion from Somerset One last season. In order to support player development, it is important to us that the gap between First and Second teams is as close as possible, at the highest level possible. Steve added that is an exciting time for the club and we are really looking forward to the 2016/17 season.
If you feel you have what it takes to join the growing band of players or you would just like to find out more about the opportunities that Bridgwater & Albion RFC can offer please contact: Geoff Sluman, Team Manager at Geoff@BARFC.co.uk. Alternatively, just turn up at our College Way ground for one of our training sessions on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 7pm until 8.30pm from 05th July.

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