The club are delighted to announce its coaching structure for the 2023/24 season. The club has always strived to be the best it possibly can be and it's very important that the coaching structure reflects that. Over the past few seasons we have seen tremendous commitment from the coaching group resulting in achieving above and beyond expectations. As with everything structures evolve and changes are made. For this season we experience that for the first time in a number of seasons.

For the coming season we bid farewell to Head Coach Louie Tonkin. Louie has been with us since the Covid ravaged season of 2020/21 and has combined his role here with his full time role as an Assistant Coach at the Cornish Pirates. We can’t speak highly enough of Louie and we thank him for his tremendous input into the team and he will be missed. However, all is not lost with Louie as he will still operate on an advisory role and I’m sure we will see him around the club on the odd matchday.

We now move to the upcoming seasons coaching structure. Nigel Hambly continues as Director of Rugby for a 4th season and will oversee the coaching team and their operation. Nigel has twice been selected as the National Leagues Director of Rugby of the Season and will continue to provide his knowledge and expertise to the coaching group.

Promoted to Head Coach is Richie Kevern. Richie will step up from Assistant coach and will control the coaching and the managing of the senior XV’s. Richie also coaches the Cornwall Under 20’s and coached them to their 1st Jason Leonard County Championship in 2021/22 season. Richie is also a former player with 101 appearances for the 1st XV and came through the Redruth Mini Junior Section. Richie has worked closely with Nigel and Louie the past 2 seasons and will continue the great work set before him.

Richard Brown, who has just recently retired from playing and will take up the role of assistant coach. Richard has also had a distinguished playing career both for Redruth & Cornwall, is well respected amongst the squad and will bring a huge amount of knowledge to the team.

Richie will also be assisted by Marlen Walker. Marlen is currently playing for the Cornish Pirates and is now entering his 10th season with the club. Marlen will continue playing for the Pirates alongside his new coaching role at Redruth. Marlen has been involved with the coaching of the DPP at Exeter Chiefs as well as coaching the Truro School 1st XV. Marlen’s knowledge and experience will be a great addition to the coaching team.

The club would like to wish this new coaching team, along with the squad that is being assembled, all the best for the upcoming season.

David Penberthy
Redruth RFC - President