Tunbridge Wells RFC is pleased to share an update on our men’s senior rugby programme for the coming season. Following a review led by Stuart Montgomery (Chair of Senior Playing) and Club Chairman Mike Rigby, we are making a number of exciting changes to strengthen our coaching and management structure.

After four highly successful years at St Marks, Simon Jervis will be stepping away from his role. As Director of Rugby, Simon has overseen a hugely positive period for TWRFC, including last season’s Papa Johns Cup success. He has worn many hats – from Director of Rugby to Head Coach to Team Manager – and carried them all with great commitment. The club extends its sincere thanks to Simon for his tireless work and wishes him every success for the future.

Following a thorough recruitment process, we are delighted to announce the following appointments.
Freddie Pierrepont will join as Director of Rugby with immediate effect. Fred brings a wealth of experience and will take on a broader remit at TWRFC, supporting all aspects of our playing structure. From ensuring the youth section is well set up, to developing a professional pathway through the Academy, to strengthening the adult programme – Fred will play a key role in shaping the future of rugby at the club.

Chaz Spence and Mike Hathaway are stepping into the roles of Joint Head Coaches of the Men’s Elite Squad. Both are long-standing members of TWRFC who know the club inside out. Having already impressed with their strategy to raise performance standards, they are now ready to lead the squad. The club has full confidence in their ability to deliver on the ambition of competing at a higher level.

The refreshed set-up also includes Ben Roberts continuing as Head of Medical, alongside Ollie McCarthy as Head of Strength & Conditioning. A new Team Management Group comprising Jamie Spence, Adrian Rigby and Alex Nicholson will ensure coaches can focus on players while admin is expertly handled.

With this refreshed line-up in place, TWRFC is excited for the season ahead. We thank Simon once again for his outstanding contribution, and warmly welcome Fred, Chaz and Mike into their new roles. The club looks forward to seeing this team drive progress on and off the pitch.

A snapshot of Fred: he is a highly regarded coach and leader, known for building successful rugby programmes and developing players at every stage of their journey.
Fred is Head of Rugby at Hurstpierpoint College and has been there since 2015. Prior to that he was at Harrow School.
Graduating from Loughborough University, he signed for Championship side Pertemp Bees before returning to Loughborough in a player/coach capacity, and taking up the role of Rugby Performance Programme Manager & Coach Development Officer. Whilst at Harrow, he combined his role with coaching the Senior Academy at Ealing Trailfinders and playing National League 1 rugby at Henley Hawks.
Alongside coaching at Hurst, he held the Head Coach role at Worthing Raiders the prior 2 seasons in National League 2 having previously coached under Jordan Turner-Hall (now at TJs) where they achieved two back-to-back top 3 finishes. Fred is an RFU Level 3 Coach and has recently returned from Australia & New Zealand having spent time in ARL, AFL, Super Rugby and NPC environments.

COYW