Following the recently established Partnership between King Alfred’s Academy and Grove RFC, all the partners are pleased to announce the appointment of a Rugby Development Lead (RDL) who will be working with teachers and coaches at both Grove RFC and King Alfred’s Academy. This appointment will also enhance the, soon to be established, Vale Rugby Performance Pathway which will start at King Alfred’s Academy in September.

Harry Jones, formally a Community Development Coach with Gloucester Rugby, will be working at both King Alfred’s Academy and Grove RFC from September 2023. His appointment fits in well with the community ethos of the club where we feel that all organisations working to enhance community life should be cooperating and working in tandem with each other.

Harry’s responsibilities as far as Grove RFC is concerned will be to encourage, promote and develop rugby skills for players of all abilities, both boys and girls, throughout all the age teams at Grove RFC. He will also be assisting in increasing the number of mini and junior coaches at the club as well as broadening and extending the skills of our current coaches, which, in turn, will benefit all young players.

Harry Jones tells the club that:

“I’m excited to begin the journey with Grove RFC as Rugby Development Lead, a role connecting King Alfred’s Academy with the club. Having worked closely with Grove over the last two years in my previous role at Gloucester Rugby, I know there are a lot of exciting areas we can grow at the club. I

am also looking forward to developing an exciting relationship with King Alfred’s Academy through the new Vale Rugby Pathway. It is a good time to be at Grove, particularly as we look to build the Minis, Juniors and Girls pathways within the club. I can’t wait to meet the parents, coaches, volunteers, and most of all the players in the next few months”.

In addition to his work with the junior section of the club on Sunday mornings, Harry will also be working with the Club on a Tuesday evening. We hope the experience he brings will help develop both the individual and team skills of our players, as well as improving and challenging the coaching skills of our coaches. 

This very exciting appointment provides Grove RFC with a golden opportunity to lay down a comprehensive Rugby Development Plan. It will run alongside, and be aligned to, the rugby programme at King Alfred’s Academy which will encompass players from 6 years of age right through to 1st Team.