Crowborough RFC is pleased to announce a new coaching setup for its U17’s & U18’s (Academy) for the 2023/24 season as it looks to further strengthen its reputation as one of the best run clubs in the South- East, and ensure as many players as possible transition into the adult game.

NEW HEAD COACH
As many of you know Ben Pollard is our Director of Mini and Youth Rugby and works as lead coach in the Harlequins Academy and Sussex RFU player pathways, as well as a coach developer for the RFU and Sussex RFU. We are excited to say he will now also take over as Academy Head Coach, supported by existing Coaches Paul Chapman, Chris Chapman, Terry Hughes, Alex Hunn and David Shortland.

A massive thank you goes to Dan Moore for leading the Academy for the last few seasons and we look forward to seeing him at the Club and at future games (relaxing with a pint in hand)

NEW SKILLS COACH
The good news doesn’t stop there, we are extremely pleased to also announce that Mase Leuluniu will be joining as skills coach, focusing specifically on our forwards, as well as overseeing strength and conditioning. Mase is a former professional rugby player (Wellington Lions NPC, New Zealand, Samoa: Pacific RIM Cup), Until recently he was also Head of Strength and Conditioning for a National 1 team.

Ben Pollard - “I’m really excited to start working with our colts. Since being at the club I’ve coached these lads on a number of occasions and I know what a brilliant group of young men they are. For many of them it will be their final season of junior rugby, so I’m thoroughly looking forward to supporting them in their transition into senior rugby, as well as in whatever they choose to do in their next steps away from the rugby field… before any of that though, let’s go and have a really fun season!”

Paul Gray, CRFC Director of Rugby - “Ben and Mase are both massive additions to the CRFC Academy set up. New and existing Academy players can expect high quality skills and conditioning sessions in a fantastic environment.”

PLAYING RUGBY AT CROWBOROUGH
If you are looking for a friendly club with a great coaching set up, get in contact now as we run various activities over the summer for all ages and abilities including Touch Rugby, Strength and Conditioning sessions and pre-season training. Next season will be here before you know it so come down and find out why Crowborough Rugby Club is so popular with players, parents and supporters.