PERSHORE Rugby Club have been boosted by the appointment of new head coach Stuart Brooks in what is being heralded as a new era for rugby in the town.
Brooks owns and runs a local health and fitness business/gym and was previously men’s first team coach at Droitwich Rugby Club.
He formerly ran the HITZ children’s social inclusion rugby initiative at Worcester Warriors for 16 to 20-year-old’s. His arrival at Pershore Rugby is being heralded as a new era for rugby in Pershore.
His primary role will be to coach the men’s senior contact sides, but he will also help in other areas of the club, advising on how to approach coaching children, ladies and also touch players and help all sections to consolidate and recruit new players.
Chair of Pershore Rugby, Bill Hurley, said: “We are delighted that Brooksy has chosen to join Pershore.
“Players and officials at Pershore are very excited to be benefitting, already, from his inspirational and professional coaching and his arrival is already providing a major boost to rugby in Pershore!”
Pershore’s acting head coach last season, Toby Grace, has taken on the role of Director of Rugby, having played for the club for 30 years, and is a Level 2 coach.
His first task was to appoint Brooks as his successor.
Grace added: “Brooksy brings a tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role.
“He has a degree in Sports Science and Nutrition from Glamorgan University, where he played. He is now a Level 2 RFU coach, working towards Level 3 and has been coaching rugby and fitness to all ages for many years.
“We are very lucky to have him join Pershore.”
Brooks’s work in a local Pupil Behavioural Unit means he also has great contacts with schools in Worcestershire, which will help build youth involvement in rugby at Pershore.
On the back of his arrival, the club are undertaking a strong recruitment drive and are offering new players the first three training sessions free in the lead up to the rugby season in September.
Rugby sessions are open to all comers and are being held at Pershore’s Wyre Piddle grounds.
Men’s XV training takes place on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, starting at 7pm whilst Women’s XV training takes place on Wednesday’s at 6.30pm. Touch for women and men takes place on Wednesday’s at 7.30pm.
