London Scottish is pleased to announce its coaching and support staff for the upcoming 2019/20 Greene King IPA Championship season.
Graham Steadman is appointed as Head Coach, reporting to Paul Burnell. Graham steps up from Backs and Attack Coach. As a player Graham played rugby league for Castleford Tigers, Featherstone and Great Britain whilst as a coach he has coached both in league and in union, including periods with Munster, Ireland and Scotland international sides, Newcastle Falcons, Sale Sharks and the Cardiff Blues. Graham will take up his new role on 1 June 2019.
Owen Nicholls is continuing as Head of Strength and Conditioning, having done an excellent job in the same role in 2018/19. Owen joined the Club in June 2018 from French side Rouen, who now compete in Pro D2, the second tier of French rugby.
Aaron Walters is returning to us as Head of Medical Services. Aaron was with the Scots for the 2016/17 as a physiotherapist. He then joined Exeter Chiefs as Head of Medical Services for its academy and is now returning to London Scottish. Danielle Yarwood will continue in her role as physiotherapist which she has done for the last two seasons and will support Aaron in the 2019/20 season.
Proview Ltd, a company providing performance analysis services, will continue to provide analysis support in 2019/20 having joined with us in March 2018. James Tyas, who has already extended his playing contract with the club into 2019/20, will be involved as Head Analyst and will be supported by interns from St Marys University.
Further announcements on the coaching staff will be made in due course.
Paul Burnell comments on the above appointments “I’m delighted that Graham has agreed to step up to Head Coach next season. He was instrumental in much that was good in our performances in 18/19 and we aim to build on that in 19/20. I’m also pleased to have such continuity in the coaching and support team in 19/20. With over 20 players having extended their contracts and some talented recruits, I’m optimistic we can kick on from where we left off and not have to start from scratch.
On behalf of all at the Club I would like to thank Nic Rouse for his tireless efforts this season as Head Coach. London Scottish wishes him the very best for his future endeavours as he will leave the Club at the end of this season.
I would also like to thank Karen O’Brien, the current Head of Medical Services, who has decided to leave her current role after two years in the position. Karen has been a great servant to the Club and we wish her well as she embarks on some travel before exploring new job avenues upon her return.”
