Premier League Rugby player turns Team Northumbria Coach

Former Newcastle Falcons and London Irish forward Andy is eager to cut his teeth in the coaching ranks after being forced to retire last year and aged just 25 following persistent knee troubles.

The new head coach will have his work cut out as Northumbria University is one of the leading Rugby Union institutions in the UK. The Club has five men’s teams which compete on a weekly basis in the BUCS and RFU League competitions.
However, this doesn’t faze Andy who comments, "I think finishing early in rugby meant I had more to give. Thankfully I can still be very active and the fact I can use what I've learned to help younger players is a bonus."

Andy himself was a talented player and represented England at youth level. Following his retirement last year, he took up the role as a community rugby coach in the Newcastle and North Tyneside area.
 He then went on to help coach at National League Two North side Westoe and sees his role with the University rugby side as a fresh opportunity to hone his coaching skills.

 Team Northumbria RFC is an open club that represents the University in the RFU League Structure on Saturdays and Sundays. The Men’s 1st XV play in North One East, having enjoyed three successive promotions since they entered the Leagues in 2007

So what about the season ahead? "The majority of the lads on the team are students and have raw talent that can be developed. That is an opportunity that excites me”, says Andy. "We are inexperienced, but that can be seen as a positive," he added. "Hopefully their play will be a bit more instinctive and they can play with a bit more flair, which is what I want. If it all comes together and we can gel, we have as good a chance as any to be up there fighting for promotion."

For more information on rugby, other BUCS teams and sport in general visit www.teamnorthumbria.com