Hot on the heels of their announcement that ex-Old Patesians and Cinderford back row George Angell will be their new player/coach, Smiths Rugby Club have made another significant appointment.

Duncan Simpson has been named head coach of their under-15s, the flagship team of the club’s newly-formed minis and juniors section.

It is the first time in the club’s 73-year history that they have run a youth section, which will include Chris Raymond’s Tag Trojans sessions for nine-year-olds and below, and Simpson is delighted to be part of the new adventure.

The 46-year-old, who is assistant head at Cheltenham College Prep School, is new to the club but he likes what he’s seen.

“We’re hoping to run two under-15 teams,” he said. “We want to get them playing as often as possible.

“Success for us this season is getting as many kids on a rugby pitch as possible.”

And they’d like more players to come on board.

“We could always do with another prop or two,” continued Simpson, who has coached at both Gloucester and Wasps academies.

“I’d love other kids to come and join us. The great thing about this group is that they all come from different schools – Cheltenham College, King’s, Tommy’s, Bournside, Tewkesbury, Cleeve.”

And the great thing tpp is that there is a clear pathway for the youngsters. 

“When they’re 17 we hope they’ll make their debut off the bench for the 2s, then start for the 2s before going on to play for the 1sts,” said Simpson.

The club’s 1^st XV have enjoyed great success in recent times and the formation of the minis and juniors section should help them thrive in the future.

Simpson will take on the role of coaching coordinator as the youth section grows, and while he will obviously be spending a lot of time at Smiths, he will not be short of support.

“Lots of the senior boys have said they’ll come along and do lineout work with the boys,” he said. “They’ve also said they’ll play touch rugby with them, there’s a one-club atmosphere even before we’ve started.

“I’ve had committee people asking what they can do to help, it’s incredibly welcoming. People care deeply about the club.”

And the youngsters will be big beneficiaries.

“What we want is a seamless transition into senior rugby,” said Simpson, whose son Rory is part of the under-15s squad.

And Rory is looking forward to getting out on the pitch at the Prince of Wales Stadium as much as his dad.

“Rory says we get to play our home games where everyone else plays their cup finals,” said Simpson.

Anyone wanting more information about the junior section should visit https://www.smithsrugby.co.uk/mini-s-junior-s