TONY BARNES - HEAD COACH
'A Word from the Coach'
''At this time last year, I was looking forward to my first season as coach of PRFC. It can't deny that it turned out to be a disappointment, Relegation was a bitter blow. That said, we made a lot of progress in many areas, and we will look to build on that in this new season. Trevor Willcock, an old friend and fellow coach of mine, has stepped down as Director of Rugby, but Steve Penberthy has moved in and is already proving to be a force to
be reckoned with. I am surrounded by a coaching and back up team in Derek White, Scott Heffield and Alice Hayes that most clubs at our level could only dream of. We have an excellent group of players, with plenty of talented youngsters. Last season, injuries, university, travel and many other factors caused us to use 51 players in our League and Cup matches, 35 of them were under the age of twenty five. The Club Executive has
backed us wherever possible, and Roger Williams continues to provide outstanding off the field facilities.
For the coming season, I will stick with my same four tried and trusted goals.
• We have to enjoy our rugby. Last season there was always a positive atmosphere, even in defeat the team was praised for it's attitude and fighting spirit, and they proved capable of celebrating any victory.
• We will have to improve constantly in all areas. We have talented players, good coaches and facilities, but must always drive further improvement. We can, and must, turn potential into positive results.
• We need to expand playing and coaching resources. We have already begun a major recruitment drive. Results apart, the failure to bring through new players was the most disappointing aspect of last season, so there is a whole new focus in this crucial area.
• If we are enjoying our game, improving constantly and expanding our playing squad, coaching capabilities and facilities, we will achieve the final goal, to win consistently.
A cliche it may be, but wining is a habit and it is one we need to get into very quickly. We have most of the assets that a club at our level could realistically want. We are modernising our whole approach as quickly as possible. With real commitment from all involved, but especially the players, we will have a successful season''.
