CINDERFORD RFC has announced it will keep almost identical coaching set-up as the club looks to build on it’s best-ever finish in National One last season.

The club has also confirmed that inspirational skipper Harry Hone will continue in the role for the 2022-23 season.

Clive Stuart-Smith remains as head coach while Andrew Stanley continues as lead forwards’ coach combined with his role as Director of Sport at Dean Close School in Cheltenha, and his work with Gloucester Rugby’s Under 18s.

Tim Brockett also continues as a player-coach with an emphasis on the set-piece.

Centre George Boulton is promoted to player-coach following the departure of Tim Preece as player-coach to take up a similar role at Old Centralians.

The United side will continue to be led by Danny Pointon, in his third season as head coach, for their first taste of RFU leagues in Counties One Western North.

The decision to re-appoint Harry Hone as captain was an easy one, said Cinderford’s Director of Rugby, Paul Morris.

Although appointed in 2020, the most recent campaign was his first as captain because of the pandemic.

He joined Cinderford in 2017 and now has 99 appearances for the club to his name.

Morris said: “It was an easy decision to reappoint Harry.

“He’s been one of the best signings this club has made and is an outstanding player.

“Captaincy is not easy for anyone and there are always difficult moments but he had plenty of highs last season and Harry’s thirst for winning is infectious and an important ingredient in our playing culture.

“I am sure he will continue to drive standards within our playing group.”

Commenting on the coaching set-up, he said: “We have had a stable coaching set up for a while now and have no reason to change it. We keep improving.

“Clive Stuart-Smith has been the major reason for our year-on-year improvement since he became a coach and then the Head Coach.

“He drives virtually everything we produce on the pitch come Saturday. Andrew Stanley complements Clive and the two are well respected and liked by the players.

“Tim Brockett was a big success last season and has a big future as a coach.

“He’s still a very good player and made his 100th appearance for Cinderford’s first XV last season.

“George Boulton’s “promotion” to player-coach balances out the coaching team and, like Tim, will continue to play.

“George will give us a new voice and vision on both attack and defence and I think he is an ideal fit for the role we envisage for him.”

On Danny Pointon’s role as United Head Morris said “Danny is hugely popular and effective his role with the United.

“It’s an exciting time for the United entering the RFU Leagues for the first time and Danny will keep the United engaged, organised and effective.”

Coach Morris also praised the contribution made by volunteers at the club, particularly the Kibble twins, Julian and Craig who are kit managers for the first and United XVs.

“Every club depends on volunteers and we are lucky to have Julian and Craig as kit managers for the 1st XV and United respectively.

“They are on a different level in terms of commitment and pride in our club. Without them it just wouldn’t run as smoothly as it does.”

Morris also added his praise for Jack Preece: “Jack joined us as a player-coach in 2020 and during the pandemic when we were able to train his enthusiasm was vital in keeping us ticking over. He played a major role last season in our success. I understand and support his reasons for leaving but he will be missed and is always assured of a warm welcome at Cinderford RFC.”