We are are pleased to report that Marcus Cattell has recruited two new members to his coaching team for the coming season, to replace Tom Coleman, who has stepped away, and Strength and Conditioning Coach, Ben Sheath, who’s commitments with British Rowing have increased as they help prepare their squad for next year's Olympic Games in France.

He is delighted to announce the appointment of Manu Vunipola as the Club's new Attack Coach. The 23-year-old Saracens fly half is the cousin of team mates and England internationals Billy and Mako Vunipola. Although born in New Zealand, he was brought up in England and attended Harrow School. He first joined Saracens when he was 15, where he has now become an established member of the first team squad. He has also played for England U18s and U20s. Manu is not unknown to Stortford as he played 12 games on loan in the 2018-19 season, the same season that he made his Premiership Rugby debut for Saracens against Exeter Chiefs. Manu will combine his role at Stortford with his ongoing commitments at Saracens.

Konrad McKenzie will be joining us as the Club's new Strength and Conditioning Coach. Konrad has worked with a number of National 1 clubs, including Cambridge RFC, over the past few years as well as national and international tennis players. Konrad will shadow Sheathy for the next month or so until Ben leaves at the end of July.

The two new members will join Ian Simpson, Rob Faiers, Cameron Boon, Jon Skelton and Darren ‘Bobby’ Orbart, who will all carry on in their roles within the squad.

Ian Simpson will continue as Lead Forwards coach and Blues Head Coach, off the back of the highest ever league finish in the Zoo league for the Blues ‘2ndXV’. Not only that but out of the 48 players who pulled on a 1stXV shirt, no less than 30 of them played for the Blues throughout the season, further demonstrating the importance of a strong 2ndXV.

Rob Faiers will ably support ‘Simmo’ as assistant forwards coach, with his main focus being the scrum as well as working with the hookers on their lineout throwing. Rob will take charge of the forwards on a match day.

Cameron Boon, will join the coaching team from the start of pre-season this year after joining us for the second half of the 2022/23 season. Boony’s extensive knowledge in the lineout had a real positive impact last season, and we look forward to seeing even more improvements in the future. He will be coaching alongside his playing commitments with Saracens.

Jon Skelton, a new addition to the group in 2022/23 as our head of mental performance, continues in the same role and will look to have a greater impact on individuals and the group collectively across the squad. A new role that we have never had before, a huge amount was learnt in the first year and we look forward to seeing more progress this season.

Finally, team manager Darren Orbart aka ‘Bobby’ will once again be present on match days with the squad. His work behind the scenes goes unnoticed at times, but his importance is recognised within the squad and we are delighted to have him with us again.