After 3 & 4 seasons respectively, Vicky & Tom Chapman will be stepping down as coaches for the senior squad. They will stay playing a major role moving forward, both holding seats on the Board of Directors, and continuing in a joint DoR capacity.
On their period as coaches, the pair said “It’s been a privilege to watch this group grow over the last 3 seasons. We’re particularly proud to have played a role in bringing younger players into the 1st XV from our time running the Colts, and now the Roebucks. Having seen Nico and Tex coach during their interview process, we’re confident their fresh input can take the players to the next level. Thanks to everyone for their support in what’s been a tough year, Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays have brought us light even through some fairly challenging times”
Their replacements will be Nicolas Meeus and Tex Cavubati.
Nicolas joins us from Belgium, where he was coaching the Brussels Celtics. As a player, he gained 30 caps for the Belgian national team, playing across the back line and place-kicking. Nicolas had this to say, “I’m very excited to join OCs because I felt the club atmosphere and history from the moment I entered it. There’s a lot of potential in the squad and I can’t wait to connect with the players, get to know them better and support them by bringing my own spark to help them flourish, grow and reveal themselves on the pitch.”
Tex is also a former international, winning 26 international caps for Fiji and representing them in both the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups. Upon joining OCs, he had this to say:“OCRFC feels like the kind of club where you can really build something — good people, strong traditions, and a squad that wants to play ambitious rugby (as seen by promotion). After speaking with a few of the lads, I could see the hunger there. For me, coaching is about creating an environment players genuinely want to be part of every Saturday, and I think OCs has all the ingredients for that.”
Lastly, Chairman, Rob Gardiner’s musings:
“I’m incredibly excited for the forthcoming season and proud of the team’s Herculean efforts, on and off the pitch, to secure promotion in the manner they did.
I’m delighted that Vicky & Tom will continue to be involved with the squad, as their experience and support have proven invaluable. They remain integral to the set up.
I’m also looking forward to welcoming our two new coaches, Tex & Nicolas, who will work alongside Alan Bateson as the team embarks on the challenge of Regional 1 South East. We wish them the very best of luck for the season ahead!”
