FROME RFC have announced a new coaching team for the 2022/2023 season as the club hopes to build on the success of last season.
First up in the wholesale changes at the club, Garrie Webster will replace Cameron Hastie as the new director of rugby. The club says, “With Garrie’s experience as Frome RFC’s current mini and junior chairman, as well as being the ex-1st XV and club captain, we are excited to have him in this role. Frome RFC would like to give a massive thank you to Cameron for his commitment during his time as the club’s director of rugby, setting a fantastic foundation for the clubs.”
Garrie said, “I feel extremely honoured to be director of rugby. I’ve been part of the club for over 20 years now and have met some amazing people. The success the club has had over the last few years has been fantastic and we go into a historic season where our 1st XV and 2nd XV are playing at the highest level they ever have, and with a large and competitive squad in our 3rd XV, the future is certainly bright!
“All of this of course is testament to the efforts that Toby Culff, our previous head coach, his coaching team and the players have put in. The new coaching set up, headed up by local man Dominic Jones, our international star JJ Gagiano and our sports therapist Alex Joiner are keen to get stuck in and I look forward to working with them. The outgoing director of rugby, Cameron Hastie has left large boots to fill and I have a nervous excitement at the prospect of following in his footsteps!”
Dominic Jones has been appointed the new head coach and he will be joined by JJ Gagiano as assistant coach. The club say, “Both are previous players and unit coaches within the senior coaching set up and they’ll look to develop the platform set by the departing Toby Culff & Elliott Bowler. We cannot thank Toby and Elliott enough for their excellent service to the club over many years.”
Dominic said, “Toby, Elliot and Cameron have left the club in such a great position. All three teams are in hugely competitive leagues and we’re in a position that the club has never been in before. As a coaching team we want to add to solid foundations we have and continue develop and progress the club, the team and the players. We’re under no illusions and know that this year is going to present many challenges, but we are excited.
“Our preparations this preseason will be key to getting us prepared for the physical encounters all three teams will face. On a personal level, Frome RFC is where I began my rugby journey 30 years ago, so to be in this position now, I’m extremely honoured. I have a great team of coaching staff and team managers and great group of players, of whom I know are up for the upcoming 2022/23 season.”
Alex Mallion will stay the club captain, with the club saying, “After last season’s success in staying at level 6, we are delighted that No.8 Alex Mallon will continue to lead the 1st XV as club captain, a truly inspiring player who leads from the front, we can’t wait to see him kick on with the side into the new season as the 1st XV enter Regional 2 Severn.”
David Abrahams will step down as 2nd XI captain and fellow back, Ethan White, will take his place. The club say, “David will continue to play for Frome and we would like to thank him for his incredible dedication and leadership through the past season. Ethan has played at the club since junior level and we are glad he is taking on this role and look forward to the side competing at the highest level they have ever reached. Ali Fisher continues his lead as 3rd XV captain and we look forward to him continuing his role as the side move to a new league Counties 4 Somerset North.”
Trevor Osborne, Andy Vince and Simon Bates will remain as 1st, 2nd and 3rd XV team managers respectively. Finally, Alex Joiner will continue as head sports therapist. The medical team will also be backed up with James Bennett who continues his role looking after the 2nd XV.”
The Frome RFC senior squad returned to preseason training this Tuesday (July 5th), with training starting at 7pm every Tuesday and Thursday.
