Last month, Dearne Valley RUFC appointed Rob Horsfield to the newly created position of Rugby Development Manager. This new position will be focussed on creating a pipeline of players to feed into the clubs senior section and establish its first ever colts & junior teams. Rob will be looking to establish links with local education establishments to develop rugby in the local area.

Rob joins the club with over 15 years of coaching experience within Morley RUFCs junior and colts teams. He has had a particular focus in recent times on the Under 16s and Under 18s age groups. He finished his playing career at Morley at the age of 50, having previously represented Sheffield Tigers and Old Leodensians. He is an active Match Official and a member of the Yorkshire Referees Society (Central), operating at Level 9.

Rob also volunteers as part of the Matt Ratana Foundation, whose core purpose is to use the values of rugby to improve life experiences and outcomes for Children and Families. The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was set up in response to the tragic death of police sergeant and rugby coach, Matt Ratana. All funds raised by the foundation support the design and delivery of school and community rugby initiatives, both nationally and internationally.

Dearne Valley Chairman, Ant Hamilton, commented on the appointment “We are delighted to have Rob on board with us. After a successful first couple of years, our focus now is on making the club sustainable through an investment in Colts, Juniors and our 2nd XV. Rob has a wealth of experience in Age Grade Rugby and his links to the Matt Ratana Foundation will be invaluable to us”.

He added “Rob will be leading our plans to grow rugby in the surrounding areas, creating strong relationships with local schools and colleges, and the creation of a thriving colts and junior section. He is already well under way with setting the wheels in motion and we can’t wait to see how the project develops”.

When commenting on his appointment, Rob Horsfield said “I am really excited to be joining Dearne Valley. They have set solid foundations and the fact that there is in essence a blank canvass to work with is a really enticing prospect. The clubs commitment to being sustainable and building colts & junior teams will be key to their ongoing success. I am really pleased to be a part of this journey and can’t wait to get stuck in”.