Long standing club member John Crees was voted in as Chairman at the AGM on 26 June following a two year stint on the Executive as House and Grounds Chairman. His career at TWRFC spanned almost 20 years and he was top try scorer for six seasons. He Captained the first XV in the 1993/94 season and also played County rugby, representing Kent Seniors from 1997-1999. Looking forward to next season in the London Premier League John said “It’s an honour to take over as Chair when our first XV are playing at the highest level the Club has ever played at. I’m enormously excited at the challenge ahead and after back to back promotions, a successful trip to Twickenham and a National Rugby Award for the first team the stakes have never been higher. As ever we thank our generous sponsors for their support which enables us to improve our Club.” First and second team sponsors this year are AXA PPP, MAP EFS and TEK Seating,

John brings with him a highly successful coaching duo in Simon Whatling and Dave Allen who both join Tunbridge Wells from Blackheath. The Blackheath pair will work with existing skills coach Mike Whatman who has been involved with the team throughout all it’s recent success. Head Coach Simon was with Blackheath for 4 years and made 55 consecutive appearances. An all round sportsman, Simon excelled at many different sports as a boy before cementing his love of rugby at Bath Rugby Academy, where he represented England at U16 and U21 level. Prior to joining Blackheath Simon played for London Welsh, Cornish Pirates and Worcester. He is married with one son.

Dave Allen spent 12 seasons at Blackheath making 277 appearances and scoring 144 tries. A lifelong rugby player, he played all his early rugby within a stones throw of St Mark’s, only moving to Blackheath in 2004. He also has 8 England Counties Caps and has represented the Barbarians. Dave is married with three children.

To complete the coaching team, Jim Scully and Mav Anderson have stepped up to coach the seconds and will work closely with Simon and Dave to cement a strong first and second team squad. Jim said “As a Club we are always looking for new players and for players to come through our Academy. We welcome players of all abilities and have a first class set up going forward.”

Training is at St Marks Ground, Frant Road on Saturday at 9am and Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm.

Playing Contact:

John Crees 07595 300741

Sponsorship Contact:

Steve Webb 07545 020458