We warmly welcome our new First Team Head Coach Michael van Vuuren. Michael was born in South Africa, is English-qualified, and has previous Premiership experience with Wasps, Bath, Northampton, Leicester and finally, Falcons last season.

Michael also had a spell with French Top 14 side Stade Francais and played in South Africa for Cheetahs and Kings in his early career and latterly Emirates Lions two seasons ago.

An ex-hooker, he’s played a lot of premiership rugby and has a wealth of experience in that position, around set-piece work, and topflight coaching.

Michael brings with him a reputation for gelling players together to form a cohesive, confident unit through teamwork, dedication and hard graft.

In addition, we’re delighted to confirm that Ally Hogg continues in his role as Assistant First Team Head Coach, and possibly on the bench after his memorable display against Cleckheaton.

Bring on the new season!