Cambridge Rugby is excited to announce the appointment of Daniel Allen as their new Rugby Development Officer.
With a second season of Championship Rugby secured, the Club is looking to strengthen and further invest in the pathway for players and coaches, both at Ellgia Fields and the local area, providing player, coach and team development across Mini, Youth and adult sides.
Aiming to enhance the provision and experience for all involved, Daniel’s role is a natural progression from the work he undertook during the 2023/24 season. In addition to rebuilding the Exiles team and coaching structure, Daniel has overseen the revitalisation of the Women’s team, developing coaches, recruiting players and leading them to a League-winning season and promotion to the next tier of competition ahead of 2024/25.
Daniel says: “It is an exciting time to be at Cambridge Rugby, the club is growing and developing on and off the pitch. I will be working hard to create environments for people to flourish, whether they are playing, coaching or officiating the game. We need to have patience for this to happen and for the right people to be in the right roles and stick to our processes to ensure sustainable growth and success. We’ve developed a great culture across both the Exiles and the Women’s team – and we have a great team in place to take that onward”.
Daniel will continue to manage both the Exiles and the Women’s team supported by an expanded cohort of coaches. Isa Sloot and 1st XV back row Jared Cardew will take the Women’s side forward with assistance from Matt Hema and Kyle Kotkin-Smith, who’ll also be coaching the Exiles with Julian Mannion.
Finally, in an exciting addition to our ever-growing academy pathway, former club captain Stefan Liebenberg has been appointed to lead the Colts as Head Coach and manage the transition of players into our 1923s set up, developing those identified as potential Championship stars of the future.
Daniel says: “It is great to have Stef back at the club, leading the talented colts team and working to develop their potential to help them progress towards the 1st XV. Stef is a talented coach, and having a former club captain that has played at Championship level guiding the way for our young talent will prove to be invaluable.”