Harrogate Rugby Club are proud to announce the appointment of two new coaches to the club, who will work as assistant coaches of the ladies section alongside Head Coach, Neil Davies. In addition to the addition of Nathan & Georgina, girls section lead coach, Gareth Barber will also be working more closely with the section, with a focus on bringing the girls and ladies sections of the club closer together.

When asked to comment on this expansion of the coaching team, Neil stated ‘I am excited to be working with Nathan, Georgina & Gareth, I am particularly excited about the skills, attributes and experiences that they will bring to the section. I believe the new coaches are going provide a real positive experience for our current and future players’.

Nathan Harrap:

Nathan has a wealth of rugby coaching experience, he has previously coached at Tynedale rugby club, assisting with the girls section as a senior coach of u18s. This role primarily involved developing players in the U18s & those playing age grade rugby. Nathan’s involvement assisted with 3 players earning international honours at U18 level, with both English and Scottish National teams. In addition to this success, 7 players were selected in the North east centre of excellence squad.

Nathan has been the assistant coach at Northumberland County Senior ladies, where he ensured the Northumberland Rugby Union objectives were achieved through creating an effective and supportive environment for the players. He provided quality coaching, supported the head coach, prepared quality feedback & by effective coaching sessions using up to date coaching skills and knowledge. His specific role within the coaching team was lead coach of backs and attack, which included working with the team to formulate attacking philosophies as well as strike plays.

Over the last few years Nathan has also been part of the Northumberland County Girls U15s coaching team. Nathan has developed a number of players, which has seen many progress to the centre of excellence program. Nathan enjoys stretching players to increase their skillset, as well as their understanding of the game through overcoming problems and challenges under pressure.

Nathan has also coached in the boys elite pathway with Newcastle Falcons in the U15-18 academy. He is currently a lead coach at Newcastle University and works with the womens rugby section at York University.

Georgina Roberts:

Georgina has started coaching over the past few years, having made the transition from playing to coaching recently. Georgina has experience of playing Championship rugby with West Park Leeds rugby club, as well as playing experience with other clubs within Yorkshire.

Georgina brings with her a wealth of knowledge, especially regarding the forwards. With previous playing positions of second row and back row, we are confident that Georgina will be able to build the strength and depth of the forward pack. Georgina is very much a player centred coach, and is keen to develop players to the best of their abilities. Georgina is looking forward to developing, learning and progressing as a coach through her work with Harrogate Ladies.

Gareth Barber:

Further to the appointment of our 2 assistant coaches, Gareth Barber (Girls section lead) will be working with the Ladies section over the course of the season in and informal role. We are excited about Gareth’s involvement with the section, as we build on the connection between the girls @ ladies sections of the club. Gareth is a Level 2 coach and referee; he brings a broad range of coaching experience having coached at various levels for over 20 years in the Army.

Gareth’s focus will be on helping to ensure a smooth transition for players from junior girls rugby to senior ladies rugby, further establishing this pathway through the club. Gareth has coached in the Harrogate junior section for six years which will help to ensure close links between the ladies section and the rest of the club.

The Harrogate Ladies management team warmly welcome the new coaching appointments to the team! We are confident that the new additions will support player progress, enhance the experience of players & ensure the success of the team next season.