Cinderford RFC have confirmed their coaching line up for the new 2022-23 season
With training beginning on Tuesday 28th June at St Peter’s High School, Gloucester, it is a case of more of the same from the Foresters after their (best ever) National One finish of fifth in the 2021-2022. Clive Stuart-Smith remains as Head Coach. Stuart-Smith became a coach at Cinderford in the summer of 2015 after joining Cinderford as a player in 2012. Andrew Stanley continues as Lead Forwards Coach a position he combines with his role as Director of Sport at Dean Close School and his work with Gloucester Rugby’s Under 18’s. Tim Brockett also continues as a player-coach with an emphasis on the set-piece.
The one change sees the departure of Jack Preece Preece was a player-coach last season and departs to return to Old Centralians in a similar role. Subsequently current 1st XV centre George Boulton is promoted to the position of player-coach George joined the club in 2018 and now has in excess of 50 1st XV appearances. Danny Pointon will continue to lead the United XV in what will be their first venture into the RFU Leagues as Head Coach for a third season.
Director of Rugby Paul Morris declared that “we have had a stable coaching set up for a while now and have no reason to change it. We keep improving. Clive Stuart-Smith has been the major reason for our year on year improvement since he became a coach and then the Head Coach. He drives virtually everything we produce on the pitch come Saturday. Andrew Stanley compliments Clive and the two are well respected and liked by the players. Tim Brockett was a big success last season and has a big future as a coach. He’s still a very good player and made his 100th appearance for Cinderford’s 1st XV last season. George Boulton’s “promotion” to player-coach balances out the coaching team and, like Tim, will continue to play. George will give us a new voice and vision on both attack and defence and I think he is an ideal fit for the role we envisage for him.”
Morris also added his praise for Jack Preece. “Jack joined us as a player-coach in 2020 and during the pandemic when we were able to train his enthusiasm was vital in keeping us ticking over. He played a major role last season in our success. I understand and support his reasons for leaving but he will be missed and is always assured of a warm welcome at Cinderford RFC.”
On Danny Pointon’s role as United Head Coach Morris added “Danny is hugely popular and effective in his role with the United. It’s an exciting time for the United entering the RFU Leagues for the first time and Danny will keep the United engaged, organised and effective.”
Morris also commented on the work of the Kibble twins. “Every club depends on volunteers and we are lucky to have Julian and Craig as Kit Managers for the 1st XV and United respectively. They are on a different level in terms of commitment and pride in our club. Without them it just wouldn’t run as smoothly as it does.”