Cavill is new Corsham coach
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| Nick Cavill |
CORSHAM have appointed Nick Cavill as new head coach as they prepare for a return to Southern Counties rugby.
Corsham, having been relegated from Southern Counties South at the end of the 2005-06 season, booked an immediate return last season when they topped Dorset and Wilts Division One North.
The club are now keen to halt the yo-yo effect and to that end have placed Cavill in charge of playing development over the next two seasons.
Cavill is no stranger to the club, however, having captained the Lacock Road club in the early 1990s.
The 47-year-old has also had playing experience with Bath side Oldfield Old Boys and Chippenham, and coaching experience with Chippenham, Dorset and Wilts Youth, Corsham's Southern Counties rivals Wootton Bassett and, more latterly, Sutton Benger, where he helped the new club cut their teeth in league rugby.
Said Nick: "I'm immensely excited to be back with Corsham. I've gone full circle if you like and it's a great honour to be returning as coach.
"The club have a healthy ambition and although, obviously, consolidation at Southern Counties level is paramount, I don't think there's any harm in setting our sights as high as we can.
"I've kept up with the progress here and can see a lot of potential and ability at the club. With the required work and application, I would hope we can achieve our goals over the next two to three seasons, and I would also think the players can enjoy themselves at the same time.
"One of the keys to success will be bringing the younger element through and from what I can see there's a strong junior section here. One of the important things, as a club, will be to develop those players, and help them grow into tomorrow's senior players."
Assisting Cavill at Lacock Road will be forwards coach Scott Gilmour, the former Heriot's and Keynsham player, along with club chairman Nev Smith.
Smith said: "As a club we felt we needed a fresh impetus and Nick fits the bill perfectly. He has this club in his heart but has travelled in the local rugby fraternity and should bring plenty of knowledge to the role.
"He's enthusiastic and positive, and the club are confident he can help the players realise their potential, as individuals and in team play.
"The club is growing on the playing front, with the colts bridging the gap between the seniors and a thriving junior section. Off the field too we are moving forward, with new floodlights, major upgrade work having been underaken on the pitches, and other development plans in the pipeline.
"Without losing that friendly spirit, we need to aspire to and maintain as high a league standard as we can - that's currently for our first and second teams. We hope the appointment of Nick can help us in that aim."
Players have already kicked off their pre-pre-season preparations with Gilmour, while full training will start on Tuesday July 3 (7pm).
Prospective new players or anyone wanting further details should contact either Cavill (07963 600189), first team skipper Wes Newson (07776 137294) or chairman Smith (07773 280632/01249 712917), or simply pop down to one of the twice-weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
l FORMER Bath, England and British Lions star Nigel Redman was the guest of honour at the club's end-of-season dinner.
Club fixture secretary Rich Slade was honoured for his many years' service when he was given life membership of the club. Slade has carried out his current role for more than 20 years and also has the distinction of having played in every one of the last four decades.
Among the current players, Wes Newson picked up the Tony Jacobs Cup for first team players' player of the year, Rich Morea picked up the Derek Hamlen Cup as second team player of the year, while junior section chairman Paul Simons received the Mike Crellin Trophy as clubman of the year.
Other awards: Steve Bailey (Keith Beazer Memorial Shield for outstanding commitment); Andy Tiley (President's Cup, most improved player); Tom Knight (Nigel Broggio Memorial Cup, young player of the year); Dominic Giraud (first team top tryscorer); Steve Scholes-Hamilton (second team top tryscorer); Nathan Hands (colts' players player of the year).
The club, meanwhile, will have a presence at the town's French Market Day this Saturday (10am) and welcome anyone to stop off at their stall on the day.
