Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Eastern Counties Rugby Union (ECRU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Wilesmith as CB Volunteer Coordinator. Andy will work with our County Volunteer Coordinators, and will also continue with his role with Eastern Counties Schools.

Andy joins the Eastern Counties team having been involved in rugby in the area as Coaching Coordinator for Woodbridge RFC, a Coach Educator and U15 Head Coach for the Eastern Counties Girls Elite programme. His role in schools rugby dates back to 2008 when he reformed Suffolk Schools Rugby Union and managed the growth in schools rugby from around 12 schools to about 60 schools playing regular rugby. He is currently Secretary of Suffolk Schools Rugby Union and Chairman of Eastern Counties Schools Rugby Union. In addition to this he represents Eastern Counties on the national board for English Rugby Football Schools Union. With a 12 year career in sports business and management and the charitable sector he is hoping to bring his experience in volunteer management to the clubs in Eastern Counties.

In announcing this appointment following meetings with several high-quality candidates, John Winders, Chairman of the ECRU Club Development Committee, said “we are fortunate that we have made this appointment, and I am certain that Andy will take our Volunteering effort in new directions. I wish him every success in this role and I look forward to working with him on the Club Development committee.”

Andrew's role as CB Volunteer Coordinator will see him raise the profile of volunteering in Eastern Counties and implement a strategy for the recruitment, retention and recognition of volunteers at rugby clubs in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.