The Jersey Reds are set to kick off their 2023/24 season with a revamped coaching staff as they gear up to protect their RFU Championship championship title and make their debut in the Premiership Cup.
Today marks the departure of Assistant Coach Tom Williams, who has seized an exciting opportunity with the Newcastle Falcons. Stepping into his role is a fresh addition to the squad, none other than the former dual-code England international, Kyle Eastmond.
Having started his pro career in rugby league with St Helens in 2007, Eastmond made his debut the following year and amassed more than 70 appearances, including four England caps, prior to switching codes and joining top-flight rugby union club Bath in 2011.
The 34-year-old featured for both Bath and England (six caps) alongside Rob Webber, now Head Coach with the Reds, and subsequently played for Wasps and Leicester Tigers until he returned briefly to league in 2021.
Biljon said: “Kyle is known for his rugby understanding as a player and we are excited that he’s bringing an extra layer of detail to the group. He’s at the start of his journey into coaching and the players have responded very enthusiastically to working with him during the past couple of weeks.”
After a win over Richmond in their sole pre-season outing, the Reds will play their first competitive match of the season away to London Scottish on Sunday September 10th as part of the opening weekend of the Premiership Cup, in which Championship Clubs are playing for the first time.
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#1. Tom Varndell (Oxford Quins)
Oxford Harlequins welcomed the former premiership record try scorer who will take on a dual role combining his rugby management career with his exceptional rugby talent.
Varndell has agreed to assume the position of Head of Rugby at Oxford Brookes University, which has close links to Oxford Harlequins.
In addition to his management role, he will also become the Head of Community at the club, while still playing for the team.
Marcus Boswell, the student sport manager at Oxford Brookes had the following to say about their star capture;
“To secure someone of Tom’s calibre, as a coach and a mentor, is of great excitement for both our current and prospective students who are looking to play rugby union,
“It goes without saying that the relationship between Oxford Brookes and Oxford Quins continues to go from strength to strength, and this announcement is another indication of that.
“We will continue to work hard in all areas of our sporting delivery and wider area of activity together, and reap the successes both on and off the pitch for our student athletes.”