FOLLOWING the departure of Simon Verbikas as head coach there have been some changes in the coaching setup at Caldy.

Former Saracens and Harlequins hooker Matt Cairns has been promoted to head coach and will be assisted by Andrew Soutar and Richard Vasey with Gareth Davies continuing in the role of director of rugby.

Speaking about the new role, the coaches were positive that the team can bounce back at the first time of asking after the heartbreak of relegation from National One last season.

Matt Cairns said: "Traditionally, rugby clubs have back coaches and forward coaches.

"I wanted to change that slightly so there is a lead in how we want to play and how we want to set up and structure things but as a coaching group we will have our specific areas, as a forward myself I will be keeping an eye on them".

Each coach will bring something different to the team and they hope that with a few valuable additions the team will be able to start the new season well in September, but are aware they will be a target for most teams in National 2 (North) following last season's relegation.

The coaches were tight lipped about new players but Davies said the club hoped 'to make some exciting announcements over the next few weeks'.

The coaches also praised the success of the double winning second team and expected one or two of the younger players to progress into the first team next season.

They singled out Callum Ridgeway as an example of how a young player can work their way up through the age grades to playing first team rugby at level three.

Callum started last season in the second team and progressed through to the first team, taking his opportunity to replace injured key players and ending the season making his county debut and playing at Twickenham.

You can hear the full interview with John Mallon by following the link below.

https://soundcloud.com/john-mallon-165914163/gareth-davies-matt-carins-richard-vasey-andrew-soutar

Keep up to date with Caldy RUFC through the summer by following the club's website.