1:34pm Wednesday 23rd June 2010
FOOTSCRAY Rugby Club have appointed former England and British Lions player Phil Greening as head coach.
The appointment builds upon the initiatives commenced at Footscray two years ago, which include growing player and team numbers and working in the community with the view to developing their mini and youth sections.
Greening will plan and deliver the club’s coaching programme, including leading Thursday night training sessions.
Tuesday night sessions will continue to be fitness based and led by Chris Buhay, a personal trainer and physio.
Greening’s position as head coach is in addition to his other roles as assistant coach at London Welsh, being a Sky Sports rugby pundit and a director of Eagle House.
The former England star is excited by the opportunity to work back at rugby grassroots.
He said: “I have known Footscray chairman Barry Lewis since we worked together in Singapore.
“I have been impressed by the great plans that he and his team have developed to help get young kids off the streets and learning discipline, social and team bonding skills through rugby.
“My aim is to provide additional support to their plans through my voluntary position at the club.
“Rugby is built through the ethos of volunteers and it doesn’t hurt any of us to invest our personal time into these worthwhile community based projects.
“I will also be looking to use some of my personal contacts to booster the coaching team from time to time.”
Footscray chairman Mr Lewis is delighted by Greening’s commitment to the cause.
He said: “Obviously being able to attract a coach of Phil’s standing to the club is a massive coup.
“We are really excited at having an ex Gloucester, Sale, Wasps, England and British Lions player at the club.
“Who could ask for anything more?
“We are hopeful that as a result of Phil’s patronage at the club, we will see an influx of players for the new season and this will help us to achieve our goals and ambitions.”
Mr Lewis also expressed the club’s thanks to ex Coach Chris Hanney, who has led the rugby development of the club over the past two seasons.
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