We have been seeking a suitable replacement since Merlin O'Donnell advised that he wished to move on to other opportunities at the end of this season. Chris will be replacing Merlin as head coach from the start of the pre-season 2019-20.
We believe that Chris is the ideal coach to continue with the excellent work that Merlin has done in recent years. Chris was the outstanding candidate from applications received and was able to demonstrate a vast amount of experience through his work with the RFU and previous coaching positions. Chris is a level 3 coach and is already vary familiar to Vandals through his position as Surrey RFU Community Rugby Coach. Chris also has experience working with youth players via his role as Head Coach for London & South East U20’s Counties.
Merlin has helped the committee in the recruitment process for his successor and we thank him for all that he has contributed during this process. We all felt it was important to find a suitable candidate that understood the structure in place to transition Minis and Juniors through to Colts, U21’s and Senior rugby and that would respect our ethos of a ‘One Club’ mentality.
“I believe the club have made an excellent decision to appoint Chris Dodd as the next Head Coach and from my time getting to know Chris over the last few seasons, I know he is the right man to take this club forward.” - Merlin O’Donnell
Please join us in welcoming Chris to Vandals, and we wish him all the best for the 2019-20 season.
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
1. | Teddington | 21 | 102 |
2. | Old Tiffinians | 21 | 89 |
3. | Weybridge Vandals | 21 | 77 |
4. | Twickenham | 21 | 76 |
5. | KCS Old Boys | 20 | 71 |
6. | Eastbourne | 21 | 57 |
7. | Hove | 21 | 56 |
8. | East Grinstead | 21 | 48 |