Heading towards the 2022/23 season Hatfield Queen Elizabeth Rugby Club has appointed a new coaching team as well as a new captain to take the team forward for the upcoming season and beyond.

Charlie Gibbs, who has been playing for the club for 10 years and has been the Vice-Captain for the past three. After Gibbs’ continued commitment to the club and the respect he has amongst the players, the committee voted in 27-year-old Gibbs as captain to bring a fresh outlook to the team.

Gibbs, who plays at Fly-Half as well as Centre said about his appointment: “It’s a great honour to be given this opportunity at the club. We’ve got a good bunch of players here and I feel that working with the new coaching team will propel us forward this year.”

The club has also appointed a new coaching team who will work alongside Gibbs to advance HQE Rugby Club. The coaching team consists of Richard Fisher and Jake Tibble. Fisher, a former player, who has been part of the club for 11 years, started coaching last season as an assistant, but had to step up when the former head coach left for personal reasons. “Last season was a baptism by fire, but it was a good thing because it pushes you harder to succeed,” said Fisher about last year.

Fisher has no qualms about the task ahead though. “Looking at where we were last year, this is more of a rebuilding season. We’ve got just the one team and we have to be realistic. If we can get a half-decent season from the lads which show progression, then we’ve achieved what’s needed.”

Jake Tibble. Who is an RFU Level Two Coach, has been at the club for six years as a player and decided to start coaching at the club after coaching the Herts Uni women’s team for the last six seasons. “It’s great to be part of this club and I hope I can move it forward along with Richard and Charlie. I just want the players to enjoy themselves,” explained Tibble.

Preseason training has already started at Hatfield Queen Elizabeth Rugby Club, with the captain and coaching staff looking ahead to the season opener at home against Tabard 2nd XV.

Everyone is welcome to come and play at HQE Rugby Club, training is on Thursday Night from 19:00 at Roe Hill. For more information on the club, or to be part of the team, call 07487 517 368.