London Scottish is delighted to announce the appointment of Gareth Hatherley-Hurford as the new Highlanders Head Coach.
Whilst still playing the game and before deciding to stop to give back in a coaching capacity, Gareth began his coaching journey as a social inclusion coach on the HITZ programme with Premiership Rugby, before becoming the lead with Saracens on the same regime.
From there he joined the RFU as an England Rugby Community Coach spending four years working across Kent and Middlesex delivering sessions, whilst also completing his level three coaching badges and since beginning level four.
Another role within the RFU saw him work as an Educator and Mentor, and Gareth was then offered the opportunity to work in England’s Performance Partnership at the Saracens Academy, where he is a full-time coach working with some of the brightest prospects in the sport.
Hatherley-Hurford is excited to begin the next step in his coaching career at the Athletic Ground:
“I saw this opportunity as a great fit. It’s a wonderful chance to work with improving players and work within a high performance environment.
The club holds strong values and to become an influential part of that is key for me. I would like to thank Scottish for this opportunity and I'm looking forward to working with them.”
LSFC Rugby Director Corne du Rand is confident that this appointment will be successful for the development of the Highlanders.
“The Highlanders coaching role is very important as it forms part of the performance pathway to the first team and makes sure our standards and philosophy remain the same throughout the club.
With Gareth coming on board as a coach and an educator he brings a lot to the club and will be supported by myself and the management and coaches from the first team.
There was strong interest in the job and Gareth has gone through the interview process as well as delivering a training session for the first team so we are delighted to have him on board.”
Director of Rugby Dave Morris says this role will be crucial as the Scots look to create strength in depth throughout the first team and Highlanders.
“This is a really important appointment for the club. We want to create a fluid performance pathway where culture and philosophies are aligned so I am delighted Gareth will be joining the team.
He added: “It is clear that he strives to be the best he can be and has great alignment to the vision at London Scottish. He has some great experiences behind him in leadership and coaching in multiple environments that make him a great fit for the role.”
