Hackney appoint Wagstaff as head coach
Steve Wagstaff will be the head coach of Hackney next season (pic: Mick Kearns/TGS Photo) - Credit: Mick Kearns/TGSPHOTO
Spring Hill club make four additions to coaching staff ahead of new campaign
Hackney RFC have appointed Steve Wagstaff as their new head coach ahead of the new campaign.
Wagstaff joined the Spring Hill club last summer as the head coach of the women’s team, but will now take charge of the men’s side.
During his time in charge of the women’s squad, Wagstaff guided the team to the title, and will hope to transfer that success to the men’s team.
Wagstaff is a vastly experienced coach having previously held roles with Ealing Trailfinders, Westcombe Park and Barking.
Joining Wagstaff in coaching the men’s team will be assistants Amy Turner and Chris Carroll.
Turner won 59 caps for England and was a part of the side that was beaten in the final of the 2010 Women’s World Cup final.
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Carroll, meanwhile, is someone well known to the club having enjoyed a successful spell in the 2011/12 season.
In addition to his role as an assistant coach with the first team, Carroll will help Damien Bouvier with the second XV on matchdays.
Bouvier will also assist with the first team this term, along with Morgan Whitlock, who has been appointed director of rugby for the upcoming campaign.
“Since coming to Hackney I’ve loved every minute of it: the enthusiasm, the commitment, the support and most importantly, the potential,” said Wagstaff.
“The most important role of a coach is to ensure every player develops and every session is a positive challenging experience.
“We as a coaching team need to ensure this happens across the board. The coaching team boasts a wealth of experience at international and national league level and are committed to making it happen.”
Chairperson Jessica Cobb added: “Our player-led club recognises the need for further development in order to continue our recent run of promotion successes.
“Investing in our new coaching staff, who bring vast experience at coaching and playing level, while retaining our homegrown coaches, provides us with the best opportunity to reach new heights.”
