Narberth
Bridgend RFC) elevated to combined
Head Coach and Forwards Coach, Liam
Gadd (200 appearances for Aberavon
RFC) appointed Backs Coach and local
boy and former Narberth player and
Llandovery captain, Lloyd Phillips, the
new Fitness and Defence Coach.
This produced immediate success
with the 1st team having their most
successful season in the Championship
by finishing in 2nd place. Another local
boy and former junior player, James
Merriman, was appointed Youth Team
Coach which has greatly improved the
coaching structure.
James brings with him a wealth of
experience having played for the Welsh
Team which became 2009 World Cup
Sevens Champions, captaining Wales
U21s to a Grand Slam and playing for
Neath, Gloucester and ultimately Bristol
for whom he made 102 appearances.
As well as running successful
Athletic and Youth teams, the Club has
a very successful Junior Section with
teams at every age group from U6 to
U16s. Approximately 200 youngsters
turn out for the Junior teams every
weekend which requires a great deal of
commitment, enthusiasm and dedication
from a loyal band of coaches, parents
and supporters who give up their free
time each week to make this possible.
A measure of the Junior Section’s
success is that in recent years it has
produced one current player in the Welsh
Senior Squad being centre Jonathan
Davies. In the recently concluded Lions
Tour to New Zealand Jonathan was
voted Lions Player of the Series and the
Club is very proud of his achievements.
Andrew Young, of long standing club
sponsor, Young Bros Civil Engineering has
had a positive association with Narberth
Rugby Club over the years. He recently
told Rugby Club Magazine, “I remember
watching Narberth and Welsh Youth playing
in the clubs centenary year and shortly after
this, at the age of 17, I joined as a player.”
“My main playing position was on the wing
and I continued to play up until around fifteen
years ago when my legs started to give up on
me, although I have managed to squeeze in
the odd vets game. I have always continued
to keep involved with the club and currently
coach my son Harvey’s team which I have
coached from U7s to U13s. Unlike his dad
Harvey is a front row player.
“Last season was a tremendous achievement
for everyone associated with Narberth Rugby
Club and I enjoyed the quality of our teams
play. Best wishes to everyone at the club for
the new season, more of the same please!”
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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