A former player, experienced RFU coach, Yorkshire Academy lead, and one of the game’s brightest coaching talents returns to Moor Lane to lead our senior squad into an exciting new chapter.

Andy is the current Head of Rugby at St Peter’s School in York, having previously held various full time roles at the RFU, alongside coaching in multiple environments. He is a Level 3 qualified coach, and currently completing the Level 4. Alongside this, Andy has an MSc in Sports Coaching from Leeds Beckett University.

As a player, Andy represented Yorkshire from U16 to U20s, captaining and gaining North of England honours, also playing for Otley RUFC, Brunel University and Pontefract RUFC before injury forced an early end.

As a coach, Andy has been involved with the Yorkshire Rugby Academy , leading the U17 group and assisting in the U18 Academy League group and U16s for four years. He has coached at various stages within the male and female pathway, also coaching the Yorkshire RFU U18s girls for four seasons, and supporting the England U18s girls programme during COVID. Prior to leaving the RFU, Andy also coached at Harrogate RUFC during the 19/20 season. Andy has supported many in their rugby journey, including several male England U18 internationals, who have progressed into the professional game, to female England internationals and Women’s World Cup winners.

‘It’s an exciting time to be involved with Ponte and I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to be head coach at the club. Some of my best memories in rugby have been at Moor Lane, being able to play alongside my brother and best mates. I’ve always kept an eye on results and updates, and after speaking to Granty & Vaughany, it was clear that there is an ambition to be a leading community club, and there’s an infrastructure behind the scenes to allow this to happen. It’s absolutely brilliant to see the juniors and women’s team flourishing too, after being involved a few years ago in their infancy.

There’s a lot of potential in the senior squad, and I’m looking forward to building on the success that Craig has had over the years. I’m fortunate to have had a lot of opportunities in life as a result of rugby, and I hope to be able to support others in their journeys. I value an environment which is inclusive, supportive and challenging, and I’m looking forward to bringing this to life on and off the pitch.’

? ??⚪️ Welcome back to Ponte, Andy.

#UpThePonte #PRUFC #OneClubOneCommunity #202627Season