Bristol Ladies Announce Coaching Staff For 2015/16

Tuesday, May 26th 2015

Bristol Ladies are pleased to confirm the appointment of three new coaches to the team ahead of the 15/16 season.

Royston Davies and Bristol prop James Hall take on the positions of first team and second team forwards coaches respectively, while Sebastian Delport joins as lead second team coach. All three coaches have penned a one year contract.

Royston Davies - who hails from Llanelli, South Wales - began his playing career at local club Bynea RFC, before joining Hartpury College in 2001. A fully qualified level 3 coach, Roy currently coaches the RFU Junior Academy, Bristol Rugby DPP programme and South West U20s, whilst also lecturing in Sport at Bridgewater College.

"I am both honoured and excited to be joining a club of the calibre of Bristol Ladies," he said. "There is a huge amount of talent within the squad, and I'm looking forward to working alongside the players in order to maximise the potential that is here, and hopefully achieve our goals both individually and collectively."

James Hall has completed his rugby coaching qualification and has coached school sides in Newcastle, whilst recently coaching local club Broad Plain RFC first team.

Sebastian Delport - who takes up the position of Second Team Lead Coach (specialising in back play) - comes to Bristol Ladies from Zimbabwe, via stints in both South Africa and Australia. Having established youth development academies at Rockingham and Mandurah Rugby Clubs in Perth, Western Australia, he has also performed the role of Development Officer for the Cairns region of Far North Queensland during his time with Queensland Rugby Union.

He added: "I'm really passionate about the development of young talent, and am excited to be joining Bristol Ladies Rugby as Women’s Rugby continues to go from strength to strength throughout the UK."

Pete Reakes has moved into a multi-faceted role within the club, using his knowledge and areas of expertise to help develop Bristol Ladies across multiple platforms, whilst Matt Belbin has moved into a coaching role with National League Three side Old Reds. Everyone at Bristol Ladies wishes Matt the best of luck with his new role.

There is one remaining vacancy in the coaching set up, with the role of First Team Backs Coach still available.

For further information and a job description, please email Heidi.chapman-mercer@bristol-sport.co.uk.The deadline for applications is the 3rd June.

Photo courtesy of John White Media.