At a meeting on Thursday, 8th May, Manchester Rugby Club announced its new structure and coaching appointments for the senior men's section in preparation for the 2014/15 season which begins with Pre-Season training on Tuesday 1st July.

James Beane has been appointed Director of Men's Rugby and Simon Ogdon Head Coach after guiding the team to safety having stepped into the roles on an interim basis in February. The pair bring with them a wealth of rugby playing and coaching experience. Both also have strong links with Sale Sharks where James is a coach in the Development Group and Simon a Community Rugby Coach.

They will be supported by Neil James and Chris Gough who also stepped-up into new roles earlier in the year, while former Sale Sharks and Nottingham Rugby tight-head prop Martin Halsall joins the team as 1st XV Manager. Ian Richardson will continue in his role as 3rd XV Manager with the club running 3 teams for the third consecutive season.

The new team are very well respected by all the players and will bring a high standard of coaching with a development focussed approach to training. The young squad have made their feelings known, with each and every member of last seasons 1st XV squad committing themselves for the new season.

The new team are busy planning for the 2014/15 season, which promises to be the clubs most exciting, rewarding and successful since it fell on hard times some five years ago.

Andrew Bridgman, Chairman of Rugby at Manchester Rugby Club said,

“The last five years have been tough for the club and I want to thank all those players and supporters that have remained loyal through the difficult times. This year we finished the season strongly, and I can see the rebuild and revival taking shape. It is a very exciting time, we have put in place a new structure for the 2014/15 season with a coaching team that will see the club start to win more matches, develop the talent that is coming through from the junior section as well as bring in new players who want to be part of this fantastic club. We are realistic in our expectations for the coming season however let it be known - Manchester Rugby Club is back."

The new Rugby Delivery Team is now actively recruiting players for all three of its teams and is also looking for a new 2nd XV Manager / Coach. Anyone interested in joining the club as either a player or in a coaching role, please contact James Beane on 07919 033862 or at jameslbeane@hotmail.com

The presentation from 8th May 2014 is available to view by clicking the document below >