Ampthill, Beds – Following the announcement last month that Paul Turner would leave Ampthill this summer after 14 years at the club, Director of Rugby Mark Lavery has confirmed that Dave Ward will return to Ampthill as Head Coach from 1st July 2025.
“Wardy” was the clubs first signing following promotion to the Championship in 2019 and went on to make 29 appearances in maroon and gold, scoring 7 tries over a two-season period interrupted by the global coronavirus pandemic. Dave held the position of Forwards Player-Coach before leaving Ampthill in April 2021 to become Head Coach of Bristol Bears Women.
Speaking about his new role, Dave said “I’m very excited to return to Ampthill in the revamped Championship. The league is at the start of a new chapter with a competition that’s going to be more fierce than ever so I’m delighted to be back and can’t wait to get going”
Mark Lavery adds “Dave was a great signing as a player, bringing another level of professionalism to the playing group and is an exciting appointment now as Head Coach. We had applications from across the world of rugby, but it was important that we brought in somebody who understood our culture to help us build on what we’ve achieved as we enter the next exciting phase for Ampthill & District Rugby Club in the new Tier Two. I’m sure he’ll get a warm welcome back from the Mob faithful and can’t wait to see what we can achieve over the next two/three seasons”
Dave will be sponsored by SOGO Mobility for the 2025-26 season.
