East London RFC are pleased to announce changes to its coaching line up as the club prepares for the challenges of the 2019/20 campaign.
With the club’s commitment to getting three men’s teams playing regularly next season, head coach Eddie Gooby will concentrate on training and match day operations for those teams.
With Eddie bringing added focus to the men, former East London player James Adamson has been invited to join the coaching team with sole responsibility for the East London Vixens ladies side. Both Eddie and James will be supported by new director of rugby Paddy Coman.
Eddie said: “We really want to be in a position to capitalise on our successes in 2018/19 where we won the Essex Intermediate Cup, narrowly missed out on promotion from London 3 Essex after a play-off, and won the Shepherd Neame Merit Table 5 Plate final.
“We are already seeing an increase in numbers at pre-season training and almost all of last year’s successful 1st XV are back with us. There is a real hunger and desire about the place to do well and we want all three of our men’s teams to be strong and competitive in their respective league and Cup competitions.
“James Adamson will be solely focused on the ladies and he is a well-known face about the club. He is a qualified coach and knows the place inside out from his time as a player and youth coach on Sunday mornings. I am always available for any support and help he might need.”
With James joining the coaching team, the Vixens have increased their training nights to Tuesday and Thursday evenings alongside the men.
Club chairman Simon Crick said: “Eddie did a fantastic job with all our teams last season but now we are asking him to focus on the men while still being available to support James and the ladies when required. This is a great move for the whole club because Eddie did a great job in his first season with us. It signals our intentions to be even more successful in 2019/20 across all our teams.”