Following the 1881’s win in last seasons Halbro-Raging Bull Shield, Director of Rugby Mark Lavery has confirmed a change to the coaching team for next season!
Head Coach Vili Ma’asi will leave the club after 3 seasons in charge of the 2nd XV to take up a full time coaching role closer to home at Oundle School and Oundle Rugby Club.
Following the announcement of his retirement from playing following a club record 193rd appearance against Jersey in April, Gavin Williams has now accepted the role of Head Coach for the 1881s and will focus on developing talent within the club as we continue to build a pathway for local players to elite rugby!
Speaking about the changes Mark Lavery said “As a player Vili was a catalyst for the clubs rise through the leagues to the Championship. His contribution as player whilst we got promoted through the leagues and then subsequently as a coach cannot be underestimated – he has lead one our youngest 2nd XV squads to a league title and assisted the development many of our young players. Vili is a club legend and I hope to see him back here again one day”
“Gavin has been with the club for 13 years now – he knows our culture and what it means to play for Ampthill. For a young man he’ll bring a wealth of experience to the role and I wish him every success”
Gavin comments “I’ve grown up as a player at Ampthill and know what it means to pull on the Maroon & Gold jersey. I’m fortunate to have worked with so many good coaches during my career here so hopefully I’ll be able to draw on that experience whilst introducing some of my own ideas to build on the success that Vili achieved with the 1881s”
