Darren Yapp, who has coaching experience with BAC, Dings Crusaders and North Bristol, will guide the 16 to 19 year-olds through the transition from junior to senior rugby. He will work with fellow ex-Bristol players Gareth Llewellyn and Rob Higgitt to bring a unified style to the way Thornbury play, which is part of Thornbury’s continued investment in its’ playing infrastructure and that of the surrounding area.

Darren Yapp played for Thornbury before joining Bristol in 1996. In 2000 he left for Connacht and blossomed into a high-quality centre, eventually breaking into the Irish squad. Although never capped he brings great experience to the Thornbury club.

A Business Manager with Bristol-based Telecoms company Avonline, Yapp is excited at the challenge and opportunities the appointment brings. He said ”I'm glad once again to be a part of the club that played such an important role in my own rugby career. It is a new challenge for me and one I am hugely looking forward to. There is a real ambition and belief throughout Thornbury which was evident at my first meeting with Michael Tinney and Quentin Jackson and, of course, when you look at the quality of coaches it already has in place with Gareth and Rob. I'm extremely excited by the prospect of being involved in developing the talented rugby players and young leaders who will hopefully go on and make their own contributions in realising the clubs ambitions”