Belgium Rugby gave announced Mike Ford as Head Coach of the Black Devils. The announcement follows the resignation of Chris Cracknell for family reasons, understandable decision.
“We are very pleased to have Mike Ford on board for the Rugby Europe Championship 2023 campaign. We needed to react quickly. Mike has convinced us.
“He obviously has experience as a player and as a coach at the highest level but also knows what it is like to work within a federation with his experience in Germany. Mike will be able to count on the support of all the teams and the board of Belgium Rugby.”, says Michiel Leysen, president of Belgium Rugby.
“I am very happy to be able to take up the challenge and bring my experience to the players of the Belgian national team, the Black Devils. The preparation will be intense but I already know that I can rely on the existing teams to help me in this new challenge. I am looking forward to meeting the players, coaches and managers. I will be delighted to meet the public at the home match against Romania on 11 February. But first Portugal, who are waiting for us on 4 February in Lisbon,” said Mike Ford, coach of the Black Devils – Belgium’s national men’s rugby team.
Frédéric Cocqu, technical director of Belgium Rugby added: “What a challenge! Thank you Mike for believing in us and going into the REC 23 with us.”
Former England lock Mouritz Botha joins Belgium as Forwards and Line-out coach.
“Mouritz will bring us all his experience in the management of the lineout. A real plus. He has worked in the past with Mike. They know each other which is important for the February deadlines. We demonstrate by this new coach our desire to invest in high-level men’s rugby,” said Michiel Leysen, President of Belgium Rugby.
“I am delighted to join The Black Devils and to be linking up with Mike Ford again. I am really excited to work with this talented group of players, it is an exciting time for Belgian Rugby and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.” said Mouritz Botha, Forwards and Lineout coach of the Black Devils – Belgium’s national men’s rugby union team.
“The line-out in modern rugby is essential to get the game going effectively and is a valuable weapon near the tryline. Mouritz will bring us all his experience. I am happy that this group of Black Devils can benefit from such a group of coaches. “, adds Frédéric Cocqu, technical director of Belgium Rugby: