After the first six weeks of the regular season the board of Clifton Rugby reviewed the senior rugby structure, results and development pathways for the rest of club. As a result it is with great pleasure to officially announce that Darren Lloyd has agreed to return to the position of Director of Rugby (DoR) and will oversee our senior squads and the progression pathway of the juniors into these squads. He will have assistance from committee members Aftab Hamid and Les Robinson (Club Captain).

Darren stood down from the position at the end of the last 2015/2016 season to have a break from being involved in the senior squads at Clifton. Darren retained his position on the committee and helped transition the club in good stead for the following season. However the ambition of the rugby club, from the mini and junior sections through to the various senior squads has grown. As a result the club decided to have someone dedicated to driving the rugby elements of the club forward, subsequently the board invited Darren back into his role as DoR.

“Rugby has been a big part of my life and it was tough to make the decision to step away from it last season. However I feel as though the break from rugby has given me a new lease of life.

I have already addressed the senior players and explained to them that there are certain things I will do exactly same, there are things I will alter slightly and there are things that I will do completely different. ” Explains Darren.

Darren has been involved with Clifton Rugby Club for many years and has built up a wealth of knowledge about the players, the coaches and the club’s history. Darren was appointed back into the position of DoR at the last Executive Committee Meeting (Monday 17 October 2016) despite having overseen the last two 1st XV victories.

Speaking with 1st XV player Sam Harrison the decision to appoint Darren seems to be warmly welcomed.

“Darren is good at what he does. He is essentially great at putting the right people in place that fit the job, whether that is our coaches or players, and he can manage them exceptionally well. His knowledge of leadership, understanding of rugby group dynamics and overall club culture are important to the success of our teams. He shares our senior squads’ ambition and you can already feel a shift in attitude from players.” – explains Sam

“We have the integrity of a National Rugby side to uphold and the demands of semi-professional rugby are forever increasing, going forward Darren will be a key asset to the continual growth of Clifton Rugby Club. As players we look forward to his return.” Completes Sam.

We now look forward to the 1st XV next home game against London Irish Wild Geese, who’s season results mirrors that of our own. So far they have three wins to five defeats. In support of celebrating our 40th Year at Station Road we are again offering FREE entry to this weekend’s match. Also on offer is our Heineken larger at just £2.00/pint.
Come and support our senior squad this Saturday 29 October at Station Road. Kick off 2.30pm.

The show goes on!

[pictures courteous of Mark Hurrell Images]