Weston-super-Mare has appointed former Club captain [b]Dave Burge [/b]as their new head coach ahead of their 2023/24 Regional 1 South West season following the decision of Darren Crompton to stand down after four years in the post having previously been forwards and defence coach.
Burge will return to the Seasiders from North Somerset neighbours Gordano RFC, where he has been head coach since 2019, having been forwards coach since 2016. During his tenure at Gordano, Dave helped steer them to Regional 2 Severn league (Level 6) – the Club’s highest ever level.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dave back to the Club as our new head coach. After what was a very rigorous selection process, which involved some excellent applicants. Dave really impressed us with his experience, knowhow, and vision for where he wants to take the club,” said Weston-super-Mare’s RFC Director of Rugby George Sparks.
“We believe that Dave more than fits the profile of what we were looking for and we are very excited about what he will bring to the Club. He has a long history with the Club and has grown as a coach while away at Gordano.
“Dave is a level 3 RFU Coach, and this opportunity allows him to develop his coaching and continue making progress. He also has experience with Bristol Bears Excel Academy Pathway, which prepares younger players for a high-performance rugby environment and although he will work predominantly with our senior sides, we felt that this experience will be helpful with the transition of our Colts into senior rugby.”
The former hooker started his rugby playing career as an eight-year-old in Weston’s mini section before proceeding through the age groups to the Colts, where he captained the side during a successful spell. He also represented Somerset Colts, Somerset U20s and the County 1stXV on several occasions.
Burge made his Weston 1st XV debut in the National 2 South game at North Walsham in April 1999 and made 257 appearances for the Seasiders 1st XV, scoring 52 tries, and was Club captain for three seasons from September 2006.
He also made 153 appearances for Weston United, scoring 45 tries, and wore the Weston Athletic shirt on 17 occasions scoring seven tries. Burge was also called upon to test his kicking skills, landing a conversion for the 1st XV and the United.
“I’ve been at Gordano for seven years and, having completed the end-of-season review, felt that having been promoted two leagues, I had become part of the furniture and that for the team to kick on, they needed a fresh voice,” said Burge.
“I think it is a similar situation at Weston, and it will be a fresh challenge for the senior playing squad and me. I believe that I will bring a lot of confidence; I have a lot of knowledge about the Club and the drive to make the Club as successful as I possibly can.
“I will look back at how Weston played during the [2022/23] season, speaking with George and the coaches. Then I’ll devise my plan – a style of play that can go across the Club - and that is what I will hang my hat on.
“I want to clarify how I want the Club to play and how the game should be played with everyone capable of being a playmaker. I hope that will come across both on the pitch and for its supporters so that the Club can have a successful season for everyone to enjoy.”
