Dorking Rugby Club, a leading Surrey community club with over c.1,500 members and 700+ active players has today announced the launch of their Colts Development Programme, coinciding with the opening of their new facilities, ready for the 21/22 season.
Dorking Rugby Football Club started their Youth Development Programme with the support of the John Douglas Youth Development Fund (JDYDF) in 2016, when mid-week youth player development opportunities for members was introduced. Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, Dorking’s 20/21 season saw over 120 youth players sign up to receive coaching from qualified external coaches, guest coaches and 1st XV players.
With the new gym and medical rehabilitation centre due to launch on 1st June 2021, Dorking RFC is delighted to be extending this successful programme by launching the Colts Development Programme, to support players as they transition into senior rugby.
The programme will be managed by Director of Rugby, Armand Roux, and Youth Transition Manager, Benji Wroblewski supported by Colts Head Coach Dom Brockes, with day-to-day operations and success of the programme being delivered by Daniel Mackenzie - Resident Gym Manager and S&C Coach, Cameron Cowell – Ex-International (England 7’s), Premiership and Championship Player (Backs), and Thomas Bristow – Ex-International (Hong Kong) and Premiership player (Forwards)
Director of Rugby, Armand Roux commented:
“I’m personally delighted to be able to launch this programme. As a club, we have always pushed the boundaries to ensure we look after our own players and provide them with the best quality of coaching, support and development opportunities. This is a clear extension of that approach and with the Medical and Gym facility we are in pole position to deliver great results.
The programme is amplified with the addition of two talented and well accomplished rugby players who are looking to give back to the game and community. Cam Cowell and Tom Bristow joining the programme to help develop our Colts is a great testament of how the club wants to support youth players and their transition to the senior game. It also speaks volumes of Tom and Cam who played for Dorking as 18-year-olds and progressed to represent a plethora of professional clubs. With the exceptional support and extensive experience of Daniel Mackenzie, I can truly say that we have got a great team on board to help develop our Colts. Exciting times ahead!”
The Colts Development Programme launches on Monday 2nd August 2021 for the 21/22 season. If you need any further information about the programme or how to subscribe, please reach out Dorking Rugby Director of Rugby, Armand Roux on dor@dorkingrfc.com.
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About the Colts Development Programme Team
- Cameron Cowell played on the England 7’s circuit and also has experience of playing with Newcastle Falcons, London Irish, Harlequins and Doncaster Knights.
- Tom Bristow has played for London Welsh, Leicester Tigers, Wasps, Sale Sharks and most recently, Hong Kong Rugby Union.
- Daniel Mackenzie has extensive experience working with Super A League clubs in South Africa and has worked as a S&C coach to support Springbok international camps and programmes.
