Leslie Hunter, Director of Rugby, EGRFC said: “It’s a real honour to be appointed as Director of Rugby for East Grinstead Rugby Football Club and I am excited to take on this new role to help with the club’s future development. I would personally like to thank Matt Marriott and Ben Swadling for their hard work and loyalty to the club and look forward to working with them over the coming season.”

“I am delighted to be working closely with new Head Coach, Matt Ratana, former EGRFC Colts Head Coach and Transition Officer. Matt brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Team and must be congratulated for his efforts as EGRFC Colts Head Coach. He has been the driving force that has seen the Colts develop and grow last season enabling them to make that transition into the senior squads. Our re-structured management team are ready to develop and drive the senior teams forward with so many talented people working very hard across all areas of the club to maintain an immense sense of community spirit.” said Leslie.

Key areas for the RFU accredited club include: retaining and developing players; recruiting new players; recruiting and retaining high quality coaches, volunteers and referees; effective and efficient facilities, management and governance; and integration with the local community. With the RFU Core Values, this all leads to a strong and sustainable club.

Matt Ratana, Head Coach, EGRFC said “There are big challenges ahead, but we have a real love for this club and we'll be doing everything possible to ensure East Grinstead is where it should be in rugby's pecking order. We believe we'll have the best possible teams in place to help the players fulfil their ambitions and talent.”

The EGRFC are hard at work on planning for next season and the Management Team is set:

- Forwards and Defence Coaches - Ric Adams and Matt Ratana
- Backs and Attack Coaches Jonnie Neil and Leslie Hunter
- First Team Managers - Steven Busby and Luke Stewart
- Second Team Manager - Mark Vine
- EGRFC Colts Manager - Byron Tomkinson
- 17’s Manager - Neil Oakley
- Strength and Condition Coach - Phil Green
- Physiotherapist - Alex Wheatman

Pre-season training for Senior Men, Colts and 17’s will start at EGRFC on Tuesday 2 July 2019, 7.00pm-8.30pm.

Training each week will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7.00pm-8.30pm. The Club will be holding a ‘Welcome BBQ’, on Thursday 11 July 2019, at 8.30pm and would like to invite existing and new players, who are interesting in getting involved in both the Men and the Women’s teams. So, whether you have experience of rugby or just the passion to play, come and meet the coaches and players, for an informal drink and a chat.

The first EGRFC pre-season match for Men’s 1st XV and 2nd XV is at home against Hastings RFC on Saturday 24 August 2019, k/o 2.00pm. Come and support your local community team.

On Saturday 31 August 2019, EGRFC will be sending all three men’s teams to their return fixture at Crowborough RFC, so if you fancy a day out, k/o 2.00pm. EGRFC would really appreciate your support!

For more information on how to get involved with one of the finest Rugby Club’s in Sussex - please visit www.egrfc.com or telephone 01342 322338.

Leslie Hunter – Director of Rugby, EGRFC
Leslie was born in Eastbourne and grew up in Seaford, playing his junior rugby at Lewes. He was educated at London Metropolitan University and studied Sports Psychology and Performance. Chosen for the first team at his University, and moving onto Finchley, Saracens Amateurs and Seaford, playing in his usual position of flanker. With over 18 years of coaching experience in both amateur and professional environments, Leslie has held the Head Coach position for the last 2 years at Plumpton RFC, successfully driving the club to their highest league position. Leslie was delighted to work closely with the Irish Exiles looking at developing International Irish players.

Matt Ratana – Head Coach, EGRFC
Matt is originally from the Hawke's Bay New Zealand. He was educated at Palmerston North Boy's High School where his passion for the game grew at a school which has produced a number of All Blacks as well as being consistently competitive within New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby. Whilst at Otago University he played club rugby for Ravensbourne RFC in the Dunedin premiership competition. Having travelled to the UK in 1989 he played for London Irish RFC and over the preceding years played for a number of West London clubs. Over the last season, Matt has successfully driven the EGRFC Colts – Head Coach & Transition Officer.