CHARD Rugby Club has appointed a new player/backs coach, with Aaron Chapman joining the club for the 2020/21 season.

Ex-Bristol Bears and England Under-20 utility back Chapman is to join the club’s coaching team as well as the playing squad.

Chapman, 21, said: “I am delighted to be joining Chard RFC for the upcoming season.

“After suffering a string of injuries and subsequent surgeries, I fell out of love with the sport and took some time out, but on speaking with the team at Chard it is clear an opportunity to get back enjoying the game is available.

“To be given a platform to pass on my experiences and knowledge I have accumulated in my career on an international and professional level is an added bonus.

“It’s clear the team are destined to push on to bigger things with the drive of my fellow coaching staff, chairman and players, and I can’t wait to be part of the exciting journey we hope to take.”

Chard head coach Ben Thomas said: “I’m looking forward to Aaron being a part of the coaching team this season.

“Having played international and professional rugby, he will be able to pass on the knowledge he’s got from being in that environment, and he will be a great addition on the pitch.”

Director of rugby Jon Hendy said: “Aaron’s appointment is a massive boost for us all.

“From the first time that I spoke to Aaron it was clear that he was the perfect fit for us, and it really shows the ambition of the club by signing a player/coach of this calibre.”

Chard RFC has also appointed its team captains for the 2020/21 season:

1st XV - Luke Aplin

2nd XV - Aaron Lewis

3rd XV - Kevin George

Vets - Wayne Lewis

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Chard & Ilminster News:

MEMBERS of Crewkerne Rugby Club completed a fundraising challenge last week, raising more than £2,000 for Yeovil District Hospital’s charity.

The club set its members the challenge of seeing how many times they could get to Twickenham and back from the Crewkerne RFC clubhouse.

Between them they managed to complete 4,559 miles and passed their £2,000 target, with the fundraising page currently on £2,395.