CHARD RFC head coach Jim Wagstaff is to stand down at the end of the season, and the club is actively looking for a new head coach/player-coach, or a pair of coaches, to take on this role at the club.

The role would suit a person(s) with all-round coaching skills, but a backs specialist would really fit the bill for someone wanting to take on a player-coach role.

Chard are currently in Western Counties West, so it would be assumed that anyone interested in a player-coach position would be playing this level or higher.

The club runs three league sides on Saturdays and the players train twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with solid turnouts.

Wagstaff is well supported by additional coaching staff and a physio, who attends all 1st XV games and who has a newly finished physio room located at the club for on-site treatment as required.

The priority for the new coach(es) would be the 1st XV and the other senior league teams, but the club also has a turnout of 250 on Sunday mornings and a rapidly developing Ladies and Girls section, with the Ladies XV playing league rugby against teams in Devon and Somerset.

All the mini/junior and ladies teams have allocated coaches, and a big aim of the club is to make sure the standard of coaching for these teams is as good and enjoyable as it can be.

Anyone interested in taking on the role of head coach and bringing on the potential in the club should send their details and expectations as soon as possible, by emailing club chairman John Williams (john@streetash.co.uk) and vice-chairman Luke Aplin (aplin_33@hotmail.com).

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AFTER a week off, Chard 1st XV return to league action this Saturday, when they travel to play league leaders and local side Sidmouth (ko 2.30pm).

The home game against Sidmouth was a very close affair and, but for a couple of interception tries, Chard could well have won the game instead of just getting some bonus points.

On their day results during the season have shown that any team is capable of beating another, and Chard will be hoping that things can go their way in Sidmouth.

Chard 2nd XV are at home to Yeovil 2nds on the main pitch at Essex Close, while Chard 3rds travel to Wincanton (both ko 2.30pm).