We are delighted to announce that with immediate effect, former SRU Head of Coach Development, Henry Edwards has been appointed as our new Director of Rugby.

Henry's key responsibilities will be to support the individual development of all coaches within the club from youth to senior level, as well as provide specific guidance and support to the 1st XV coaches with a view to improving individual and team performances.

ARFC President, Gary McPhail comments “We are absolutely delighted to have appointed Henry to this new role, as he brings an unbelievable amount of skills, knowledge and experience gained from the very highest levels within the sport. This appointment will ensure that all of our coaches and players from Primary to Senior levels are receiving the best possible support for their development in the game and build on the commitment to our Positive Coaching Scotland accreditation”

Henry commenced playing rugby at Alloa RFC in 1973, before captaining Boroughmuir after a brief spell at Dunfermline. He also represented the North and Midlands district side on more than 60 occasions, before commencing his coaching career at Alloa in 1991.

He was quickly identified at more senior levels of the game and became one of the first Professional coaches in Scotland, following the sports transition from its amateur roots, alongside former Scotland international Manager, Frank Hadden at Edinburgh.

As well as enjoying 15 years’ service with the SRU, where he coached the Scotland Development XV, Scotland under 18’s & under 19’s before progressing to the national Head of Coach Development, he was also a member of the 6 Nations Elite Coach Development group and is an International Rugby Board accredited trainer.

Head of Youth Development, Scott Harrison said of the appointment “Henry played a part in the development of young players in the past at the club. Players such as Grant Gilchrist, Sean Kennedy, Stuart Edwards, Kevin and Glenn Bryce who have all went on to represent their country at various levels and I am thrilled at the prospect of working with him again and who knows maybe some of our current crop of youngsters will be following in their footsteps”

Positive Coaching Scotland Manager, Bosman Du Plessis' reaction to the news - "Incredible news!! Henry is a massive asset to any organisation, so this is outstanding news for Alloa RFC." was typical of the feedback that we have received so far following the announcement made earlier today.