Ian Matthews (35) joins the club following a successful season at Welwyn RFC where, as Director of Rugby and Head Coach, he guided the Hertfordshire side to promotion to London 2 Division. A former Kent U19 captain, Ian’s playing career to date as a hooker/flanker has seen him notch up 340 1st XV appearances for clubs including Sheffield RFC, Old Albanians and Thanet Wanders RFC, as well as playing first division rugby in both Italy and Chile.

His coaching CV is equally as comprehensive, with stints at the American School of London, Welwyn RFC, Verulamians RFC, Haberdashers’s Aske’s School and Colleferro in Italy. He has also been a member of the Saracens Community Rugby coaching programme since 2004. As well as having achieved his RFU Coaching Level 3, Ian also has a Degree in Sports Development and Coaching from Sheffield Hallam University.

Ian, who will be relocating up to the Midlands from his current home in St Albans, is married to wife Lisa and they are expecting their first child later on this year.

“We are delighted to be bringing such a talented, well qualified and ambitious rugby-minded person as Ian Matthews into the Bees’ fold” said Chairman, Chris Loughran. “After the disappointment of last season, we have acted swiftly to appoint a new Head of Rugby to lead the development of all aspects of senior rugby at the club. We wanted someone who can not only help ensure an immediate return to Level 4 rugby for the first team, but also to build upon the good work that has been done in recent years to further strengthen the development of all senior and junior rugby at the club.”

“After a rigorous and intensive selection process which saw over 40 well qualified candidates apply for the job, the selection panel felt that Ian has all the right qualities that we are looking for in, what is, a pivotal role in of the club’s management team. Importantly, Ian also has the requisite time and energy to devote to every aspect of rugby at Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Club.”

Commenting on the announcement, Ian Matthews said, “I am thrilled to have been appointed as Head of Rugby at the Bees. It is a well-established and regarded club that has gone through some difficult times in recent years, but has some great prospects going forward – not least building upon the excellent junior rugby set up that is already at the club. My immediate brief is to get the first XV back into National League 2, but there is also a fantastic opportunity to help further develop all aspects of rugby at the club.”

Ian will start his new role with almost immediate effect on 1st June in time for pre season preparations and will be formally introduced to the players and supporters in the coming weeks.

ENDS

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