Club Statement

Head coaches Jason Wheatley and Kevin Appleton have taken the decision to step down from their roles at the end of the 2018/2019 season due to work and family commitments. Jase and Kev have worked tirelessly over the last decade in developing players throughout the club creating an ethos that backed the youth of the club. This has not only been pivotal in the 1st XV’s promotion to South West 1 but also maintaining our position in that league. ​

Although senior section coaches Jase and Kev are well known throughout the club, they have been frequently down helping the junior age groups as well as assisting with the U18s creating an excellent link between the younger players in the club and the seniors. 

Jason said “It’s been a real privilege to have been given the opportunity to coach at a fantastic club with a great tradition. It is with a very heavy heart that I will be leaving my senior coaching position.

The players have played a huge part in developing me as a person as well as a coach over the last 10 years and I have had an unbelievable time. I am immensely proud of the club, its players and the significant successes that we have enjoyed together.

I would like to thank the coaches, captains, players, medical teams, committees, club staff, members, supporters from past to present for some very special memories and I wish you all the best for the future and every success on and off the field.”

Kevin added “I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Keynsham Rugby Club. I have had an amazing 8 years at the club and leave with some fantastic friends and memories. I have been part of many rugby clubs over the years and nothing compares to the experiences I have had at Keynsham, this is down to the people across the club making it such a great place.”

As a club we would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to them both for their commitment, time and service to the club over a period of time spanning 10 and 8 years respectively. It is very rare you find that coaches who commit themselves to one club for that long! We hope they look back at their time at Crown Fields with fond memories and look forward to seeing them around the club. 

The Rugby Committee will in good time look to seek a successor to Jase and Kev. With the strong foundations built by Jase and Kev and the club in a strong position with a large group of U18s coming into the Senior set up it is a very exciting time for the club. We feel it presents a great opportunity to take over a thriving set up at a club with a strong history.