Barnard Castle Rugby Club are preparing for the new season with a new look management and backroom team. Whilst many of the members have been at the club previously, they now have solidified their positions as they look for success in the season.
John Lavin and Josh Harper will be first team managers as the side looks to improve on their seventh place league finish from last term.
Sam Bell remains as first team captain but Marty Lonsdale will now be head coach, working alongside the team and management.
Bell will also take up the new role of forwards coach, with Ralph Makepeace stepping in to the breach as backs coach.
The first team’s season begins on Saturday. Harper said: “We’re really happy with the team we have in place, both from a management and playing perspective.
“Marty has been with us a couple of years but it’s great he is stepping up to a coaching role. He has great playing experience and it’ll be great for the lads to be able to learn from him.”
Marty Lonsdale said: “I’m extremely excited and privileged to be taking the reins from Sam this year. The club is an absolutely fantastic club, and I’m honoured for the opportunity to coach at such a great club.”
Harper spoke about the role he and John Lavin will take up. “John Lavin and I will be taking charge of management of the team. We would like to say a huge thank you, as a club, to Sam Errington who was a pivotal part of the coaching and management last season.”
Errington has stepped down this year due to personal commitments.
“It’s a shame he had to step away, but he’ll always be welcome back whenever he’s able to,” said Harper.
Paul Davis will maintain his role overseeing all departments of the club from the juniors all the way up to the first team.
As previously reported, they will also be fielding a girls and women’s team for the 2024/25 campaign.
This will be run by Chris Holmes. He said: “With the women and girls game thriving, I really want to see a resurgence in the Castle Gatorz. I want to build a fun and competitive environment for anyone who wants to give rugby a go.”
Finally, the juniors will be led for the second year by Ezequiel Monteagudo, an Argentinian-born coach now based in Barnard Castle.
He said: “I moved to Barnard Castle and instantly fitted in at the club and was made to feel very welcome.
“Our academy section is constantly growing and to see the kids enjoy the game is a great feeling.”
Barnard Castle Rugby Club is well poised for an exciting season ahead.
