New-look Wolves tackling their future head on
Wolverhampton Rugby Club are ready to tackle the new season head on following an overhaul of their coaching set up.
The Castlecroft-based outfit are keen to make an impact in Midlands Two West North and have looked internally in a bid to boost their fortunes.
Matthew Jones has been promoted to the position of head coach and picks up the gauntlet following the exit of Richard Port and Saul Perry.
They shared the role last season, following a successful few years at the helm of the 16-19 rugby pathway at Wolverhampton.
He led the club's youngsters to two successive National Cup final appearances, delivering a National Cup and numerous Staffordshire and Midlands honours during his tenure.
As well as appointing Jones, the club's director of rugby Neil Jones has also completed a busy summer by installing a new coaching team to assist his namesake.
Former Colts coach Gary Norman has returned to work with the first-team, tasked with reinvigorating the back line.
Other new additions include ex-Stourbridge Lions head coach Ian Stangward, strength and conditioning coach Mark Evans and vastly experienced duo Olly Herman and Alan Grant.
They take on player-coach roles, while Tom Savage will take charge of first team matters on the field having been named club captain.
Jones is eager for the season to start now his new-look coaching set-up is in place and has been encouraged by the reaction on the training ground.
He said: "First things first, Neil and I worked to ensure that we had the right blend in the coaching team and that is something I feel we got bang on.
"The variety it has given the boys in training has led to ever increasing numbers and a renewed excitement and enthusiasm in the senior playing group.
"My key hope for the year is to maintain a high level of professionalism and attitude in everything we do and to bring more of our fantastic young players through to the senior sides.
"I believe that doing this will see the club and reach new heights, with the potential for promotion."
Wolves have experienced success in their pre-season fixtures so far, defeating Malvern 24-12 and Wednesbury 35-0.
These encouraging signs indicate an exciting season ahead for the boys in black, as they build towards their first league game away to Camp Hill on September 12.
Newly-appointed club captain Savage added: "It has been refreshing to have the new coaches at the club and the way they are trying to get us to play has been challenging but very enjoyable.
"We can't wait for the start of the season when we will be able to test ourselves properly. We have produced some great rugby in pre-season.
"The speed in which we are playing across the entire playing squad is credit to Mark for the great fitness blocks he has put on every Tuesday and Thursday."
The club run three sides at senior level and junior teams from under-7 up to under-19 and are keen to boost their membership on and off the field.
Anyone keen to get involved, either in a playing capacity or a supporting role should contact the club on 01902 763 900 for more information or via the club's Facebook site.
