After four years as Sevenoaks Rugby Club’s Head of Junior rugby, Danny Jones has had to make the tough decision to step down from the role due to work commitments. The role will be taken on by Steve Fitzmaurice, an experienced Junior Head Coach who has been the Club’s Marketing Manager for a number of years. Steve will be supported by John Henley, who will assume the role of Head of Mini Rugby at the Club.
‘Danny has done a wonderful job as Head of Junior Rugby and we are sad to lose him from the Management team’ said Club Chairman Trevor Nicholson. ‘Danny has been a constant source of energy, with a ‘can do’ attitude and has made a significant contribution to the Club across all areas. But we respect Danny’s decision and completely understand that the day job must take precedence.’
‘We hope that this will be a ‘sabbatical’ for Danny and that, when the time is right, he will be able to return and contribute further to Club life. We will miss him, but Danny assures us that he will be a regular attendee at matches on both Saturdays and Sundays so when the time is right, I hope many will fall in line to buy Danny a drink to say thanks – I will certainly be at the front of that queue.’
Steve Fitzmuarice, Sevenoaks Rugby Club’s new Head of Junior Rugby. Photo Credit: David Purday
Trevor continued ‘Whilst of course we are sad to lose someone of Danny’s calibre, we are delighted that Fitzy has assumed his new role with immediate effect. His knowledge and understanding on all Club matters, as well as his close affiliation to the Mini and Junior section through his children and coaching commitments means that Fitzy is extremely well placed to hit the ground running.’
Alongside his new Head of Junior Rugby role, Steve will continue to be Head Coach of the Under 16’s. The side that Steve has managed since mini days, joins the Academy with record numbers. Indeed Fitzy brings excellent pedigree to the Academy set-up, having captained the then Colts team, before his senior rugby days saw him play a significant part in the Club’s only Kent Cup winning team.
John Henley takes on the Head of Mini Rugby role. Photo Credit: Graham Henley
Trevor finished by saying ‘With Hendo taking the role of Head of Mini Rugby, I’m hugely excited by the future of the rugby section across all levels. Having had rugby cut short last season, I have been delighted to see rugby get underway at the Paddock and Knole Academy in the past week, showing that the team of DOR Adam Bowman, Fitzy and Hendo are proving a well-oiled machine already! It’s been incredibly impressive to see how well organised and compliant each session across the Club has been – long may it continue!’