News

Birchgrove have today announced an exciting new Coaching group for the Coming Season. Before introducing them though, The Committee have asked me to officially offer their unequivocal gratitude to the current team - Jamie Rees, Tristan Davies, Mark John and in particular Head Coach R J Di’lulio.

RJ has proven to be an inspirational leader since taking over the Head Coach role from Darren Poland overseeing a Division 2 Championship Season in 2018/19 leading to the Club’s historic elevation to Division 1 status, the highest standing ever achieved in the history of the Club.

He and his able lieutenants have continued to work tirelessly in pursuit of excellence and created a Birchgrove side that has sat easily at the Top Table of Division 1 and made The Robins respected and feared opponents. The fact that this has been achieved within the severe constraints that the COVID Pandemic has placed upon our Community game places even more credit upon RJ and his team and the Club will be eternally grateful to him and his associates.

The Supporters also join in with the Committee and the Players who enjoyed the unique experience of being coached by Reeco, Tristan, Mark and RJ in thanking them and wishing them well in whatever they chose to do in the future within the family of Rugby which I am sure they will never be lost to.

Turning now to the Future: -

The Club would like to formally announce the appointment of a group of exciting new Player Coaches for the coming Season. All four are seasoned performers and will bring a wealth of experience and quality to the Club which augers well for the coming season when for the first time in nearly three years we will be returning to the normality of competitive Community Rugby in Division 1 West.

The Coaches are :-

LEE PURNELL – HEAD/FORWARDS PLAYER COACH

Lee started his illustrious Career with home Club Gilfach Goch before moving to Aberavon Green Stars,  Tonmawr and then on to Aberavon where he played with great distinction for 10 years. The dynamic flanker becoming a Supporter favourite for his all action 100% commitment. He was Aberavon Player of the Year in 2018 and has represented the Ospreys in the British and Irish Cup.

Lee is positive about the coming season and told me :-

“I will be looking to match the club’s ambition. It’s been made pretty clear after several meetings, the club wants a promotion and to be able to compete in the Championship and who wouldn’t like a day out at the Principality on finals day, 

I Would like to thank the club for the exciting opportunity to become Player Coach I can’t wait to get started and let’s see how far we can go “

SCOTT GIBSON- BACKS PLAYER COACH

Scott joins us from Brecon where he has been cutting his teeth as Backs Coach. He has a wealth of experience having played in the Indigo Premiership for Llandovery, Neath, Cardiff and Ebbw Vale at Scrum Half. He has also represented Cardiff in LV and Celtic Cup and Scarlets in Singla 7’s. He will enrich our back division with his key skills and pace from set pieces and open play.

Scott told me, “ I am delighted to have had the offer to come on board and coach at Birchgrove RFC. I have to thank Brecon for giving me that role of player backs coach with them now I’ll be pursuing it here. I can’t wait to get started and see what I can bring. I will try to develop the younger players and get the best potential out of the team. I want to push for the Division 1 Title and Welsh Cup. Going to be an exciting Season !”
 

MATTHEW (MURPHY) EDWARDS – STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PLAYER COACH

It is a welcome return to the Club for “Murphy “who is well known to the Birchgrove faithful and was a key player in our rise to Division 1. scoring a record number of points from wing and full back. He has played for a number of quality Clubs during his career and boasts the following recent playing and  Trophy record.

Played a number seasons in the championship with Trebanos. Winner in two WRU finals,

Bowl Final (Ystradgynlais) 2015 & Plate Final (Trebanos) 2022 winning  MOTM in both games.

Record points scorer in a season with Birchgrove in 2019-2020 season

He told me that he has a positive vibe for the Club and has optimistic ambitions to get a great bond between players and coaches.   Winning the league & having a good cup run.

RYAN EVANS- ATTACK/SKILLS PLAYER COACH

Ryan is an ex Wales Under 18 Outside Half who has plied his silky skills in the Indigo Premiership. A product of the Blues Academy he spent 7 years at Bridgend before moving on to Ebbw Vale where he has played for the last 3 years.

He is looking forward to his leadership role at Birchgrove and joins in the all round of the optimism of the Coaching Team in looking for success in League and Cup this year.

A warm welcome to all four Coaches and it is looking good for the coming Season.

The Future is Bright – The Future is ROBINS