Following an advertisement which was supported via the RFU, we had a phenomenal response with some great quality applications. After carefully considering all applications and conducting numerous interviews we are extremely pleased to announce the new appointments.

Phil Powell is currently the Head of Rugby at Moulton College. He began coaching rugby as a career in 2014 and has completed his Level 4 RFU coaching qualification and recently completed MSc in Sports Coaching.

Phil started working as player/coach for the senior side of Milton Keynes RFC, then moved from working within behavioural provisions for year 7/8/9 school ages into Saints Community Department. He then worked as backs/attack coach for Bedford Blues' Academy, while also gaining further experience supporting Northampton Saints U18s academy.

He has also enjoyed successful periods coaching Olney, Peterborough and currently Old Northamptonians RFC. He has been U18 Head Coach for Midlands divisional part of the England Counties pathway.

Phil says of his appointment "I am incredibly delighted with the appointment. I feel I can help develop the provision and continue to develop the growth of England Deaf Rugby. For me it is fundamentally an exciting opportunity, to become a Head Coach for a national programme is a great honour. I feel that working together to continue to grow and raising awareness of EDRU is massively important. I will continue to provide a high standard developmental program, looking at how I can support players to the maximum result in an increased performance within the test environment. I see this as a great challenge and fantastic opportunity to learn from everyone. There is nothing but positive and praise for EDRU which is something I want to be involved with but also add an incredible amount of value to take the programme to the next level. I believe the hard work is only just beginning but in the long run the work I want to do to drive the national team to the next level is all worth it and an exciting journey we can be on. I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone."

Meanwhile, Phil will be accompanied by Paul Willison, who joins as assistant coach. Paul is a qualified level 2 coach and has numerous other rugby qualifications and is currently the Head Coach of Derby University Rugby Club.

He has also been Head Coach to Cooke Women’s RFC Ulster, Programme coach for England RFU X7s, IRFU-Seven Sessions of 7s Programme coach, Army Medical Services Ladies XV-Coach and Army Medical Service Men’s Xs -Head Coach/Manager.

Speaking of his appointment, Paul added "I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed the new EDRU Assistant Coach. I am looking forward to being a valuable member of the coaching team, adding my own experience and vision, to play passionate exciting rugby and deliver success. Of course I equally look forward to joining your community, meeting and working closely with all the players, volunteers, and supporters and being part of this great EDRU team."

EDRU Chairperson, Gloria Mills has added, "I am delighted in welcoming both Phil Powell onboard as Head Coach and Paul Willison as Assistant Coach with England Deaf Rugby Union.

The committee, players and I all look forward to working with them absolutely look forward to starting back at our Rugby campaign after the long unexpected break.

Welcome to the family gents."