New coaching team for Lisburn ahead of new season

Mark Crothers and Mark Healy resigned their coaching positions at the end of last season after a number of years at the helm and the Club is very grateful for the work they put in over that period.

A new coaching team has been appointed in the persons of Neil Hinds (Head Coach) who comes with a proven track record from Ballynahinch and Wallace High School. The Player Coach will be Tom Frazer who is an ex senior front row forward from Belfast Harlequins while continuity will be provided in the shape of last season’s Assistant Coach, Andrew Postlethwaite. Michael Knowles will be the 1st XV Team Manager, incorporating the role of Head of the Rugby Committee.

Official pre-season training will commence on Tuesday 21st July and continue on Thursdays and Saturdays until the start of the season proper in mid August when the usual ‘friendly’ fixtures will take place. In the meantime, the current playing squad have been maintaining their fitness levels with regular tag rugby sessions. All new players will be made most welcome to the Club, no matter what level of experience they have, and any enquiries can be addressed to the Club at [email protected]

Once again the Lisburn 1st XV will be operating in Qualifying League 2 where they will welcome newcomers Larne, Ballymoney and Donaghadee rugby clubs in what will be a very competitive scene. The associated Conference League that runs alongside the Qualifying League will additionally include tough opponents in the 2nd XVs of Queens University, Ballymena, Malone and Banbridge. The 2nd XV continue in Junior League 3 where they are joined by Randalstown 2s, Donaghadee 2s, Virginia and County Cavan. The 3rd XV continue in Junior League 5 where they are also joined by newcomers Inishowen and Monaghan 2s.