Changes at Chichester RFC set up exciting season
and live on Freeview channel 276
Former Ospreys, London Irish and Bath prop Ken Dowding has been appointed Blues’ head coach, taking up his first role since retiring at Worthing last season. He will be joined by defence coach Scott Barlow and skills coach Billy Toone, who previously worked together at Bognor RFC and have both played for Chi before.
Chichester Director of Rugby Paul Colley said: “We have made some significant changes to our structure this season with in particular Ken, Scott and Billy coming on board. All three have played for the blue and blue in the past and bring a wealth of experience at other levels.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe 2022-23 season brings changes at all levels for Chichester, who will compete in a new division after a restructuring in English rugby. They swap London 1 South for Regional 2 South East, where travel will be reduced and an interesting battle for promotion should unfold. It sets up a fascinating season.
“Ken’s someone I have known for quite a while and was an obvious choice once I found out he was looking to go more into coaching,” Colley said.
“Having watched his regiment and Royal Artillery side I was excited at the prospect of bringing in some of that experience to Chi.”
Dowding works as Staff Sergeant at 12 Regiment Royal Artillery in Hampshire, and has combined commitments to rugby and the military for 20 years. He has played regularly in the Army XV in Inter-Services Championship matches, as well as representing the Combined Services. He served in Iraq in 2003 and Afghanistan in 2008 before earning a pro rugby contract at Ospreys and has had to have successful careers in both fields.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHaving arrived in the area for his army role, Dowding first committed to Chichester in 2015 as player-coach and now returns.
Chi’s season begins on September 3 at home to Battersea Ironsides.
The club captain will be Joe Woods, first XV captain Rhys Thompson, second XV James Lovell, third XV Simon Campbell, women’s side Amy Evans and the Colts, Luca Fleming.
Who's who at Chi RFC
Director of Rugby - Paul Colley
Head Coach -Ken Dowding
S&C - Lee Appleby
Womens Coach - Mike Burton
Colts Lead Coach - Martin O`Callaghan
Attack Coach - Mark Norton
Defence Coach - Scott Barlow
Player/Coach - Rich Ives
Skills Coach - Billy Toone
2nd Team Coach - Andy Phillips
Head of Womens Rugby - Katie Ford
Colts Manager - Andrew Richardson
Rugby Analyst - Scott Ashley
Head Medical Team - Xander Woodford
Head TSG - Francois Jarjat
1st Team Manager - Pete Dallaway
2nd Team Manager - Iain Collyer
Captains
Club Captain - Joe Woods
Ladies Captain - Amy Evans
Colts Captain - Luca Fleming
1st Team Captain - Rhys Thompson
2nd Team Captain - James Lovell
3rd Team Captain - Simon Campbell
Ladies Vice Captain - Amy Lane
Colts Vice Captain - Ollie Horne
1st Team Vice Captain - Zac Conley