CRFC’s Head Coach, John ‘Topper’ Brown, has announced that he intends to step down from his position at the end of the season. The club would like to put on record its sincere thanks to Topper who has been an outstanding coach for the club over many years.

Following an initial stint at the club coaching the Development Squad, Topper returned to the club in 2015 and served in roles such as Director of Rugby and Head Coach. During this time, Topper has coached his teams to play attacking and competitive league rugby as well as providing CRFC players and supporters memorable evenings at the Rec whilst winning the Bath Combination Cup.

Topper has also given many of our current crop of young players their first opportunity of 1st XV rugby so, hopefully, his legacy will live on as this exciting group of talented players gain further experience and success at CRFC. We look forward to seeing Topper and his Father in Law, staunch CRFC supporter, John Gillespie, at the club for many years to come.

The club will now take the opportunity to consider an appropriate coaching structure for us to build on Topper’s excellent work and further announcements will be made in due course.