Broadstreet RFC

I have been asked to write a few words to introduce myself as Broadstreet RFC’s new Head Coach….

I have to keep reminding myself that I am still a relatively young coach. At 27, I am probably the same age as the average player competing in the National Leagues. However, I have been coaching rugby for about ten years now, five of which was as head coach for a senior side. I don’t believe I lack in experience.

I started coaching when an injury forced me to stop playing the sport just before I turned 18. Since then I have worked with county and regional sides, Academies, University sides and Senior club sides. Coaching gave me the opportunity to study Sports Sciences at Brunel University and has allowed me to make a career (or at least part of one) out of something I enjoy doing.

I am looking forward to a new challenge at Broadstreet RFC. So far everyone has been extremely welcoming and helpful. Inevitably, as it is with every new season, It has all been a little hectic so far. Within a week of my first meeting with committee members, I was in the saddle and planning my first training session with the squad. Now I am three weeks in I am starting to find my feet and I am looking forward to each training session.

We have a lot of work to do before our first league match. The players have to get used to a new coaching style and understand what I am about. I have to identify our strengths work out how we should be playing to exploit them. In the few training sessions we have had, the players have been extremely responsive and have put in a tremendous amount of work in the feared pre season blast out. I am working them hard, but I hope they are enjoying it!

I look forward to seeing you at the club, and I am sure we can count on your (preferably loud) support throughout the season.

Tom Hoines

Number 8 / second row Forwards Player Coach Eddie Simkiss returned to The Street from Rugby Lions in 2004 to coach the Street Forwards, leading from the front is Eddies mantra and is a very influential player on and off the park.

Second row and First Team Manager Nigel Bonas is a former club captain and King of the social. He's the man to give your details to if you are playing with the first team and Nigel will make sure you are kept informed on meeting times / fixtures / opponents

Back row forward and second team manager Paul Harcourt is taking over managing Broadstreet 2nd XV for this season, Paul will keep you informed of meeting times / fixtures / opponents.

Third and Classic Team Managers John Brown and Matt Stuart are the man to give your details to if
you are playing with the third team or classics and they both will make sure you are kept informed on meeting times / fixtures / opponents

Former Senior Club Coach Bob Harcourt is the Youth Development Co-ordinator for the Street , Bob started coaching Broadstreet seniors during the 1987-88 season; a year after leagues were introduced, at which time the Club was placed in Warwickshire League One. 

Bob coached the Club for 15 seasons taking them up 6 leagues to National League Three (now Two) in 2002/2003.

The Club reached the Warwickshire Cup final for the first time in 1992, losing narrowly to a strong Leamington side. Thereafter, Bob coached the 1st XV to a total of 8 Cup final wins
(5 in a row) and the 2nd XV to 5 Warwickshire 2nd Team Cup wins. The Club also enjoyed a host of Sevens titles during his tenure.

He has also coached:
Warwickshire Under 21s for 18 seasons;
Warwickshire Seniors (Forwards) 3 seasons;
Warwick University and Coventry University 3 seasons;
Old Coventrians RFC 2 seasons;
Newbold RFC 2 seasons and; is in his 10th year as a member of King Henry VIII School coaching team, along side his one-time Broadstreet assistant, Andy Parker.

Junior Colts XV Coaches Dennis Howland and Steve Walton who first played for the club in 1977 at U14's (when Don Branston was almost young and was club steward). Was team captain of U14's 15's & 16's. Went on to play for colts in 1980 to 1983. Made appearances for the 1st, 2nd & 4th teams at senior level. Have coached since 2005 with U14's 15's 16's and currently U17's and U15's, whilst also assisting with colts.

The club coaches are assisted in their role by Tony Wiltshire (Wilkie) performing roles of first team support.and Laura Fitzpatrick the club physio