Gloucester All Blues are delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Bayliss as head coach for the 2018/2019 season.

The club finished bottom of the table in Gloucester Three in the campaign just ended and a club spokesman said: “Mike Bayliss’ extensive knowledge of the local game will help develop the young All Blues squad at RFU Level 10, if the proposed league restructure to Gloucestershire League Two North is put in place next season.”

The club have also been awarded the prestigious RFU Club Accreditation and the spokesman continued: “It is proudly displayed on the clubhouse entrance which demonstrates we are a progressive modern club, ensuring a bright future for the young All Blues playing squad.”

The club entered a 1st XV and 2nd XV for the end-of-season North Gloucestershire Combination Cup matches, and are looking to build on the 49 players that played in 2017/18.

“Our RFU initiative Return 2 Rugby has reaped rewards this past season,” added the spokesman.

The club’s development with the wider community includes a link with Heart of Gloucester Football Club, who will have their Under 9s, 10s and 11s age groups playing on two new pitches at the Oxlease next season.

And that’s not all, because in the close season the club are going to run ladies’ touch rugby sessions, with a view to having a full contact rugby team by the start of the new season.

For details on social membership, contact Ralph Dangerfield 07450 365707, or playing membership, contact Jamie Dixon 07867 995666.

“Community volunteers are also very welcome if they would like to join a grassroots rugby environment,” added the spokesman.