Gala Rugby have had a successful season after returning from the pandemic induced lockdowns of 2020/21. Our new rugby and coaching team of Bill Noble (Director of Rugby), Fraser Thomson, Stuart Johnson and Euan Dods had the opportunity to successfully put into practise their knowledge and methods and were joined later in the season by Craig Jackson as Backs Coach.
We would love to keep them all together for the coming season but life and work sometimes interferes! We are going to have to say au revoir to Fraser and thank him for putting in place the culture and structure which has helped us to get here. Unfortunately he cannot commit as fully as the role requires and has therefore had to take the difficult decision to step away from his role as Head Coach.
We are pleased to have the continuity to be able to confirm the appointment of Stuart Johnson to the position of Head Coach for season 2022/23. Stuart comes to that role with loads of experience in similar roles. We are also pleased to confirm the appointment of Craig Jackson as Player Coach (Backs). Craig only joined the coaching team later in the season but has demonstrated already how suited he is to that role.
Our coaching team is completed by the continuation of Eaun Dods in his current role.
The coaching team has chosen the Gala Captain for next season and we are delighted to confirm Liam Scott to that role. Liam stepped in to the on-field role of Captain in the absence of current Captain, Rex Jeffrey, through injury during the first half of the season, so he already has some experience. We are sure that Liam will do a great job as Captain and thank Rex for his input over the last couple of covid disrupted years.
Last but by no means least Bill Noble will continue in his role as Director of Rugby, not just guiding the 1st XV coaching team but Gala A, Gala Wanderers and Gala Red Triangle to maintain the high levels achieved by all teams in the season just finished.