Commenting on the appointment Jim said “The floods have had a devastating effect on the club infrastructure, not just in terms of its facilities but also the significant disruption to all the teams right through from junior to senior teams last season. It was a limiting factor in the ability of all sections being able to train and prepare adequately for games, not least of all for the first XV who were relegated last season. With former coach Gary Hewer moving on, and stalwart Colin Jackson calling it a day at the end of the season, it was important that we secured someone to help the club start afresh, and we were delighted that David applied for the position. He brings significant experience of playing and coaching at a high level, and we are confident of his abilities to help the senior men’s side get back into North One West which is our primary aim.”

David’s playing career encompassed spells both at junior and senior level at Carlisle, as well as representative honours at County level, and then England Colleges whilst at University in Cirencester, before playing for Northampton for 5 years in the late 80’s and finally Cheltenham in the early 90’s.

David’s coaching career started in 1994 with Cheltenham at head coach level for firstly their U21s and then subsequently their senior side. Following cup and league success with those sides and the Gloucestershire under 21s, he transferred that to Bromsgrove RFC in the late 90’s winning them promotion to Midlands 1 as well as County cup success. Moving to North Midlands RFC in 2001 brought them County cup success, combining this with consultancy coaching to other sides in the West Midlands, and a role as an England Counties selector, before David moved back to Cumbria with his work as a Land agent.
More recently people within the club will know him from his involvement with the Ladies team and latterly coaching our Colts to a semi-final spot in the National Colts cup.

David was keen to point out that as well as his playing and coaching experience, he brings enthusiasm to help the club progress both on and off the field and adapt to the needs of modern rugby, and is committed to helping the club make the changes necessary as it starts to rebuild.

“I have a reputation for being a hard taskmaster, but I focus a lot on player management, and I’m keen to help them to develop, grow and reach their full potential. It is important that we continue to maintain the three senior men’s sides to ensure there is the opportunity for players to develop their skills, and allow progression. I hope that current players will continue to support the club as they have done in the past, and that anyone who may have drifted away for whatever reason will now see an opportunity to become involved again. I’m also keen to ensure we develop closer links with Cumbria University to encourage students to feel part of our rugby community. It is also great to see that the Colts setup has been rejuvenated with Phil Healy and his team taking that on next season. They are an important step in the progression to senior rugby.

Success doesn’t come lightly and a lot of hard work and commitment will be required to build the club back to where it rightfully belongs both on and off the pitch, a successful club with a winning mentality.

A successful playing side needs a vibrant, business like and well run club behind it. It is refreshing to see the new vision for the club after the floods and the addition of well qualified people becoming involved to help achieve this. I’ve committed to help this club become successful again on the field and I hope players, members and sponsors will make the same commitment to help the club realise its full potential.”

Jim and David have organised a players get together on the 5th of July, 6pm at Creighton rugby club to outline arrangements for next season, to which all are welcome.
The hard part of pre-season training starts the week commencing 11th of July, and details of times and venues will be confirmed later.