WELLINGTON Rugby Club have announced the appointment of Simon Morrell as senior coach for the new season.

He takes over from Bradley Field who stepped down from the role of club coach at the end of last season to concentrate on developing his business.

Morrell, who joined the coaching staff at Wellington last December, enjoyed playing spells with Exeter, Launceston, Lydney and Bridgwater & Albion, alongside his time at Hartpury College and the University of Exeter. His representative honours include selection for the county, and for the South West Under 18s, England Colleges and Gloucester A.

His coaching career started at Teignmouth with a team which secured two league titles and a cup victory, while further success followed at Newton Abbot with a promotion and another cup success. He has also coached the Devon Senior XV.

Wellington’s director of rugby Allyn Chetland said: “We had to deal with the loss of a significant number of established first team players last season for a variety of reasons. What impressed Simon the most was the way the players responded - positively, honestly and with a real forward-facing mindset.”

Wellington have also announced that Joe Snow will be joining the club as senior backs player-coach ‘working closely alongside Simon this season.’

Chetland added: “Joe brings a lot of experience from the professional game. His rugby career started at Exeter Chiefs Academy; going onto to represent the Chiefs at senior level, before moving onto to Coventry Rugby and eventually Taunton Titans.

“Simon and Joe will bring a combination of playing experience, leadership and coaching expertise. These attributes will be a massive asset to WRFC, both on and off the field.

“Both Simon and Joe are working extremely closely with our current talented group of Under 18s and their coaches as we look and build for the future.”