Official Statement

It has been a tough decision to leave Southwell at the end of this season, one of the toughest of my career. I have loved my time coaching at the club. It still seems like yesterday when I first arrived here three seasons ago and that speaks volumes about the people at the club.

I owe a huge thanks to Chairman Andrew ‘Spud’ Smith, President Conrad Hunt and head of rugby Rick Johnson for giving me the opportunity work not just with the 1st XV, but also help with the rugby development right down to the juniors.

It may be time for me to move on with a new coaching opportunity, but I am staying in the area and will remain to help out with the juniors. My two boys Henry and Timmy will remain playing for the club and both my boys want to play for the 1st XV one day and my job is to help them get there! It is that sort of club. I have been lucky that my career in rugby has taken me to many clubs across the world and my experience at Southwell will stay with me. I have made so many good friends – friends for life, really.

There have been plenty of highlights, including winning our first six league games in my first season and I would like to thank all the players who worked under me for their hard work and commitment. James Barker, my club captain for a couple of seasons, always led from the front and I would like to wish Alex Morrison, his successor, and the rest of the boys all the best for next season.

All the best, Andy