New coaching team at Clevedon

16 June 2010

THERE are exciting times ahead for Clevedon Rugby Club as director of rugby Jeff Durant announces a new coaching and leadership team.

Kim Hazeldine has been appointed as head coach and will be assisted by player coaches Tom Thie, Owen Biggins and John Potts.

Thie, will captain the 1st XV, with Dave Rawle taking charge of the 2nds and veteran Neil O'Rourke continuing as 3rd team skipper.

Durant said: "With the completion of our £250,000 club extension and changing facility rebuild and the appointment of an experienced, passionate and local coaching team, the future for Clevedon rugby looks very bright."

Clevedon Rugby begins its pre season training with a tag rugby tournament and barbecue on Thursday, June 24, at 7pm. All existing players are welcome and new players will be given a warm welcome, too, as the club looks to recruit in its push for promotion and National league rugby.

Coach Kim Hazeldine said: "Having lived in the town for 30 years I know how seriously Clevedon take their rugby. I am really looking forward to the challenge of working with the club to develop an enjoyable, attractive and winning style of rugby. The hard work starts in July and August when the coaching team will lay the foundations for next season's South West One campaign."

New players interested in getting involved are welcome to contact Kim on 07711495868.



The Under-15s celebrated the end of season with their presentation at the club.

Playing 17 games and only losing four, this was a successful season with nine players being selected for the district squad and seven going on to play in the district finals. From that seven, six went on to represent the county. A successful tour to Ireland, reaching the final and making the final of the Bristol sevens was a fitting end to the season,

The climax of the evening was a presentation from Nick Carpenter of his England shirt, Nick represented England Under-16s and the South West this season a year young.

The awards where followed by speeches from coach Neil Tucker and manager Mike Bailey. Coach Tim Brooks was unable to make it, but a satellite link meant he was able to give his speech to the players.

The awards where given to: Manager's player, Harri Sheppard; coaches player, Paddy Trower; captain's player, Aaron Mason; most improved player, Jonathan Hicks; coaches grafter, Matthew Bailey; players' player, Aaron Mason.

The Colonel's Cup was won by Jacki Carpenter, Anne-Marie Bryant, Viv Bailey and Lyn Mason. Special awards where given out to several players. The Banana award went to Tom Skinner, George Harris and Jake Redman and the Fluffy Mitten award went to Nick Carpenter.