CHELMSFORD Rugby Club have appointed Kevin Blackmore as the club’s new Director of Rugby and Head Coach.

The former Southend Saxons performance analyst and skills coach makes the move to the London Three Essex club.

And Blackmore, who was also head coach at Basildon Rugby Club for two years, said he is hugely excited at the challenge.

“It is a genuine honour to be named as Chelmsford Rugby Club’s Director of Rugby & Head Coach for the coming season,” he said.

“Having met with the club’s management committee a couple of weeks back it was clear to me that Chelmsford is a club with its head screwed on. It has ambitions that match my own, but a pragmatic outlook on how these goals can be achieved. With the talent in the current squad and an exciting colts side on the cusp of senior graduation it’s an exciting time to be involved.

“The thriving ladies section with its numerous committed and talented players is another impressive aspect that sold the job to me.

“With arguably the strongest youth set up in Essex, the club has a very bright future indeed.

“My coaching philosophy is based on developing an environment that emphasises enjoyment of the game, commitment to training and preparation is a key aspect and respect for the game and people who take part in it are equally important.

“Better people make better rugby players. Winning is a vital part of this, but the focus is on the process of winning, rather than simply the scoreboard.

“By creating a positive, supportive culture, that people want to be part of and contribute to, winning becomes the end product of the ongoing investment in the process.

“Along with my rugby experience and my coaching philosophy, I have an in depth understanding of sports science, strength and conditioning and physical therapies.

“Pre-season is just six weeks away and I can’t wait to get started.”