Weston-super-Mare RFC would like to release a statement on behalf of Head Coach, Darren Crompton.

I have decided at the end of the current season that I will be stepping down from my position as Head Coach at the Club.

I feel this is best for the Club to go forward with the opportunity to introduce a new coaching set-up that will benefit the Club in the future.

I will continue working extremely hard with the players for the rest of the season to ensure that we finish this campaign as strongly as possible.

I will still be available to provide specialist/individual training as required and continue coaching within the Junior section.

I have really enjoyed my role within the Club and have made many good friends and colleagues.

Many thanks to all the players, coaches, committee, members, and supporters who have been excellent and with their continued support, I am sure the new coaches can bring the success the Club deserves.

All the best
DC

George Sparks, Director of Rugby, added his own tribute to Darren: “On behalf of everyone at WsM RFC, I would like to thank DC for his contribution to our Club over the past nine years.

“It was a privilege to have played with him on the pitch, and more recently, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him in our off-pitch roles.

“DC has played a central role in some fantastic achievements during his time at the Club, not least as forwards coach during the Invincible season of 2016-17.

“DC, who had a stellar playing career, which took him to the very top of the game, is a great bloke who has understood the rugby club from the day he arrived.

“He, along with his wonderful children, Daisy, and Oscar, are a credit to our Club, and I am hugely grateful for the contribution that they have made in supporting WsM RFC.

“As a Club, now, our immediate focus is to finish the season as strongly as possible, whilst, in the background, we will be concentrating on identifying and recruiting a new Head Coach who can continue to move the club forward.”

Notes:
Darren Crompton played for Bath (22 senior appearances between 1993-97), Richmond (41 games 1997-98), Bristol (total of 308 appearances from 1999-2003 and 2004-21) and Cardiff Blues (20 appearances 2002-2004).
He played for England U16s and captained the England U18s and U21 plus playing for South West U21s.
Crompton was selected for the England A tour to Australia and Fiji in 1995, debuting against South Australia.
In 1998, Crompton was selected for the England tour to the Southern Hemisphere but returned uncapped.
He gained his England cap when he took to the field as a replacement for Stuart Turner in the first Test against the Springboks in front of 31,758 at Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium on May 26, 2007, at the of 34 and 256 days, nine years after his first tour.