We are pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Woolcombe as Head Coach of the Havant RFC Academy. We would like to thank Kevin Cuffe and his team for the fantastic five years that they have been at the helm which saw the Academy reach the final of the National Colts Competition, along with a number of league and cup titles. Steve brings a wealth of experience, having set up a Centre of Excellence at Chichester College along with involvement in both Hampshire and Sussex junior County teams. Steve has also played for Havant Senior teams and has coached junior teams at Havant RFC.

Paul Double has also agreed to join the coaching set up. Paul has been working with junior teams at Havant RFC for a number of years and understands the inner workings of the club through the various roles that he has taken on. Recently, he has been working with the U16’s and has developed an exciting squad moving into the Academy. He will provide much needed consistency for those players transitioning from U16 to the Academy.

Steve said “I’m delighted to be appointed Head Coach of the Academy at Havant RFC, Havant has always been a part of the fabric that has made me the coach/player I am today and after a few years away learning my trade I’m delighted to return. Havant have always been a hugely ambitious club, and I’m certain that with the improvements to the facilities, the club will be successful in their bid for sustainable National League rugby. The Academy has a big part to play in club’s future and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside some great coaches and players and build a transitional pathway from U18’s to the Havant 1XV.”

Rob Matthews, Director of Rugby, said “It is an exciting time for Havant RFC, both on and off the field. Both Will Knight and myself look forward to working with Steve and developing on the brilliant work of Kevin and his team. Steve was an outstanding candidate who has some innovative ideas in how we can develop a true centre of excellence for aspiring U18’s. With Paul also moving with U16's, I truly believe that we have coaching set up that is capable of building on the upgrade of our facilities to create the club that aspiring players will want to come and play for”

It is intended that pre-season for the academy will start on July 10th at 7pm.