The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Alban Barnes as Head Coach of Harrow RFC, following the departure of John Porter-Griffiths at the end of last season.
Alban joins in time to work with the 1stXV Captain and Club Captain ahead of the pre-season schedule which starts on 14th July.

He is no stranger to Harrow RFC having played for the club in the past as well as playing for opposing teams at Grove Field many times.

His rugby background is extensive: he has been playing or involved with rugby for over 40 years now and was fortunate to represent his County, Divisional Squad and Great Britain as a player. He was also a semi-professional player with Redruth and played in the National Leagues. Alban finally retired from playing after a number of seasons at Fullerians RFC.
He is an RFU Level 3 qualified coach and started his coaching career when his children started to play. He went on to extend his coaching experience across three county teams in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Alban is aware of the rugby heritage at Harrow and is excited to get started and support senior players in their development and enjoyment of rugby at the club.
His appointment follows a process led by our Chairman Andy Smart , along with 1stXV captain Will Beech and Club Captain elect Sam Harper.

When asked by Sam what he thought the key element of the role is at Harrow, Alban said “My main focus is on the players, and they are centre to my plans for how we will play the game. I have been brought in as the Head Coach, but I see a big aspect of my role is to support the journey of all the players to be the best version of themselves. I want to ensure that I continue to be player focused and that you are all at the centre of my plans. Whilst I have been brought in to coach, I am adamant that I am here to support your journey as a player.”

Alban is keen to welcome all Harrow players, past and present, to start the new journey with him and the new season at Harrow RFC.

Welcome to our new Head Coach!