Adam Bowman | Director of Rugby & Head Coach
In May 2020, Adam was appointed as Director of Rugby, with his remit to oversee all rugby matters at the Club. In 2016, Adam was appointed as Head Coach of the Senior Squad, and that season saw the 1st XV finish a credible 7th place in the league, having been promoted to the league from the previous season. Since his appointment, Bowman has always maintained his desire to create a ‘One Squad’ ethos. This ethos led to the 2018/19 season being the most successful in Oaks senior rugby history, with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd XV all winning their respective leagues.
A former player in Oaks Junior section, Adam has represented Sevenoaks Seniors, St Mary’s University and Ealing Trailfinders at prop. His success as a coach became evident from a young age when he took over Oaks Academy, leading his sides to three Under 17 National Finals, giving him a reputation as one of the most respected youth coaches in the country.
His progression to the Senior coaching set-up took place during the 2015/16 season, when Bowman assisted Danny Vaughan, as the duo led Oaks to promotion from London South 2 in a play-off fixture against London Cornish.
With Senior Squad numbers now well in excess of 70 and regular training numbers of 40, the respect that Bowman commands amongst players and supporters is there for all to see.
Mike Hebden | Attack Skills & Backs Coach
Mike Hebden joined the Sevenoaks RFC coaching set up as Attack Skills & Backs Coach at the start of the 2019/20 season.
Mike is currently the Director of Sport at Kings Rochester and was most recently the Head Coach of Maidstone RFC, before stepping down from the role last season. A coach with a keen eye for detail, Hebden also currently works with the Saracens RFC Under 16s.
Paul Dawson | Defence & Backs Coach
Paul joined Oaks at the start of the 2018/19 pre-season and has already made a significantly positive impact with the Senior Squad and Academy, leading on Oaks backline play, defence coordination and breakdown work. Having spent the majority of his time at Tonbridge Juddians, representing their 1st team in the old London 2 and making appearances for the same Club in Nat 3, Paul began his coaching career in 2011, becoming one of the lead defensive coaches for the Academy, with whom he won the National Colts Cup in 2015 and then the RFU Under 17 National Cup in 2017, as well as multiple Kent Cups. His impact at Oaks was immediate, as he oversaw the meanest defensive system in London South 1 during the 2018/19 season, with Oaks conceding over 100 points less than their nearest rivals.
Paul brings a real depth of experience to the coaching team, having coached Tonbridge Juddians as they gained promotion to National 2 as well as overseeing their 2nd XV. His experience in Junior rugby continues, with his full time job now working as a member of the Judd School games staff, where he acts as one of the professional rugby coaches during the winter and coaching track and field athletics during the summer term.
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
Harry Holder | Head Physio
Harry Holder joined Sevenoaks RFC three years ago, when he worked alongside Jess Rugg during Adam Bowman’s first season in charge. A chartered physiotherapist, Holder graduated from Coventry University in 2015, and currently works at the Horder Centre, having previously been at the Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone NHS Trust.
His professional and thorough manner has meant Holder has become a popular member of the Oaks medical department with both players and coaching staff.
Ste Fairest | Physio
Ste joined Oaks at the start of the 2018/19 season, providing medical cover for across the Senior Squad during training weeks and on match day.
Alongside his role for the Senior Squad, Ste also provides medical support for the Junior section of the Club on a Sunday morning.
Vicky Di Placito | Physio
Vicky Di Placito joins the Sevenoaks RFC medical department from London Irish Amateurs at the start of the 2018/19 season, having worked for the Club in an interim basis the season before.
Vicky currently works as an anaesthetic nurse and resuscitation officer as well as specialising in Sports Injuries, Soft Tissue Therapy and Sports Massage.
PERFORMANCE DEPARTMENT
Jonny Short l S&C Coach
Jonny is another product of the Sevenoaks RFC youth system, having played for the Club from a young age and playing a starring role in the Academy side that won the National Plate.
Jonny studied at Loughborough University, where he also played rugby for the 1st XV on the wing, before graduating and moving back to the Sevenoaks area to start up his own personal training business, FULLY AUTO FITNESS.
Returning to play for his childhood club, the pacy and strong winger made an immediate impact for the 1st XV, plundering a hatful of tries in the three years that he played.
Jonny oversees the Senior Squad’s strength and conditioning programme and also individual training programmes at the Club gym.
Edd Ansell l Performance Analyst
Having joined Sevenoaks RFC at the start of the 2018/19 season, Edd played a significant role in the promotion winning 1st XV and league winning 2nd XV, scoring a a number of points through his metronomic boot.
Edd is due to embark on a Analyst course at University - alongside this he will act as Performance Analyst for the 1st XV during the 2019/20 season.