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The Coaches

This rugby team would not be the team that they are without the dedication of the willing team of volunteer coaches who have been driving them in the right direction.

Left to Right: Si Burns (head coach), Rob Batley (team manager), Dave Lewis, Duncan Shepherd, Mark Wilkinson

Simon Burns (Head Coach)

Simon was born in Barnsley and played for Sandal RFC U16s, Yorkshire U16s and England A U16s. He joined the Royal Navy in 1988 with a highlight of scoring a try against the Army at Twickenham in 1995. Simon finally retired with 17 Navy Caps and 3 Combined Services Caps, playing against the Barbarians 3 times.

Simon captained Gosport and Fareham RFC in 2001 until 2006 leading the side out in the 2002 Powergen Twickenham Final.

He is now a level 3 coach and an RFU Trainer. He has coached the 1st XV forwards and is currently Head coach of Havant RFC and Head coach of Gosport U14s.

In 2006 Simon toured South Africa with the Royal Navy team in the Commonwealth Cup, which the Royal Navy won. If the tour is achieved then he is hoping to revisit the Khayelitsha project in Cape Town where the Royal Navy gave underprivileged children an opportunity to play rugby.