Rhodri Thomas will step up as head coach. This will be the second time Rhod’s had this role, and he brings a huge amount of expertise from well over a decade of coaching. He’s level 3 qualified, with experience through the SRU regional academies, and as an ex-captain of the club, is a very familiar face around the community.

Rhodri added: "I am pleased to have the opportunity to be head coach at Haddington for the second time. Since my first spell, I have been fortunate to spend four seasons coaching in National 2 with Peebles RFC, followed by a good couple of seasons working alongside Cliff and Gibby at Haddington. Like everyone involved in the club, I am keen to see the players fulfill their potential and to gain promotion to the National league. Haddington RFC is a great family club to be a part of and I look forward to what will hopefully be a positive season."

Luis Arola will be our new forwards coach. Luis has been exceptional as the lead coach for our U18s this season, he’s also level 3 qualified with extensive regional academy experience. In recent years Luis has been involved coaching Edinburgh University and before that has held a variety of roles with schools and clubs in Scotland, including Watsonians Rugby and Heriots RFC. He brings particular expertise to contact and set piece and is also S&C qualified, which will help us move forward with our players athletically. Importantly, Luis lives in Haddington and is hugely passionate about having a positive impact on his local community club.

Luis added: "I am really looking forward to be a being part of the club and taking on the forwards coach role. Since moving to Haddington, I've been looking for a bigger challenge and I thank Haddington RFC for allowing me this opportunity. I keen to make a positive impact on this team and gain promotion into the National league."

As previously announced, Cliff Livingstone has decided to step down from coaching, but we are delighted that Cliff will remain involved as Senior Director of Rugby, focusing on player recruitment. It’s great to be able to still call on Cliff’s huge experience and we’re delighted he’s still on board.

The club would like to wish Rhod and Luis all the very best for the new season.

Yours in Rugby,
Haddington RFC Committee