BRIDGWATER and Albion RFC have announced there will be "no major changes" to their coaching set up for the coming season.

Director of rugby Geoff Sluman said: “Last season was one of rebuilding and we finished fourth in the league, for both our first and second teams, which is our best for some time.

"At times we played some brilliant rugby but if you want to win leagues then you have to be more consistent and that is our aim for this season - for both the first and second teams.

“The coaching set up will be led by forwards player-coach Wayne Sprangle, with player-coach Richard Bright leading the backs.

"We are also so lucky to have Carl Rimmer (forwards) and Ollie Devoto (backs) from Exeter Chiefs providing additional specialist coaching.

“Wayne and Brighty have been brilliant from the first minute they arrived at the club. They relate to the players and have their respect.

"The pairing has really worked, and although they had not coached together before last season, they compliment each other very well.

"It is not just about their coaching but they add so much as players too.

“Carl and Ollie also just add so much, as these guys have played for the Chiefs in the Premiership over numerous seasons.

"Both have played in a couple of Premiership finals and Ollie was involved in the Six Nations England training camps this year, so they come with the very highest credentials and the latest techniques.

“They are not just all about specialist forwards or backs coaching but their input on tactics and motivation is huge.

“As important as all of that is though, it is that not only are they willing to pass their knowledge on, but they are just the nicest guys you could wish to meet.

They get stuck in with the lads every week and really are treated as one of the boys.”

Talking about pre-season overall, Sluman said: “We are starting this year from a much better point compared to last year.

"A lot of the players have retained knowledge and are quickly up to speed and pushing forward.

"A couple of the new guys have rapidly caught up and are buying into what we are about.

"There are other coaches that we will add, it is certainly not a closed shop, and in a lot of respects the cross fertilisation of ideas is pushing us on further and maybe also a little faster.”

Training at Bridgwater & Albion is on Tuesday and Thursdays from 7pm, and all new players are welcome.

***

THIS coming weekend sees North Petherton host a double header of pre-season friendly matches at Beggars Brook.

On Friday night, Pethy's men take on Honiton (ko 7.30pm); then Saturday sees Pethy ladies entertain Chard (2pm).