Cinderford searching for players with the X Factor

CINDERFORD Rugby Club have appointed a full-time community coach, to go into local schools and find the homegrown stars of tomorrow.

First-team player Mike Panoho took up the position three weeks ago.

He already works five-days-a-week as a rugby instructor/talent scout and is currently doing sessions at St John’s-on-the-Hill in Tutshill, Newnham and Newent Community School, as well as Forest View and Heywood in Cinderford.

Mike says that if schools in Lydney, Drybrook or Berry Hill want him, he’ll go there too.

He said: “It’s a bold step for the club to take but I think it’ll be a great success.

“It’s about promoting the game of rugby more than anything else.

“I want to build links with the schools and, yes, develop players for Cinderford. However, I think other clubs are also going to benefit if I can help provide curriculum-time rugby training for kids.”

Panoho, 33, only joined Cinderford as a player this season, having previously captained Dings Crusaders.

He has also played for Clevedon and Pertemps Bees.

Originally from New Zealand, he represented Waikoto in his home country. He also has strong Australian links and played for the Junior Wallabies and the Australian Army.

Opportunities in Cinderford’s first-team have so far been limited, but he insists home fans haven’t seen the best of him.

“I had a knee injury at the start of the season and it’s taken a while to get fit,” he said.

“I’ve not really had a lot of continuity.”

Source: thisisgloucestershire