Eccles RFC are delighted to reinforce its senior coaching with the appointment of Andrew Selby as Defensive Coach. Andrew has a terrific pedigree as a player (England U18, Mosely, Northampton and Worcester) which continued into his coaching, most recently with Kirby Lonsdale, before moving to the Salford area last year.
Sam Simpson, Director of Rugby, said of the appointment “I’m delighted to welcome Andrew to Eccles. Andrew did a couple of sessions with the men's section before the Christmas break and I think the lads really liked how he came across through his coaching practices. I’ve since had an opportunity to discuss those practices with Andrew and we even did a reflection session together after his first night, which I really enjoyed. Personally, I’m looking forward to having another experienced body around the club who I can challenge to be better, and who can also challenge my rationale and decisions. Here’s to what I believe is the start of a really strong coaching group being assembled going into the 2022/23 season."
Commenting on his career Andrew added "I started playing rugby at age 11 and progressed through Shropshire County representation to North Midlands and Midlands. I was selected for England u18’s at 16 years old. I signed to Moseley at 18 while studying at Uni and was then signed to Northampton. I was duel registered at both clubs for a few seasons as injuries hampered my playing time. I was out of contract in 2003 and was picked up by Worcester who had just been promoted to the Premiership. Sadly, a neck injury finished my playing career when I was 25.
While still playing I achieved my Level 2 coaching award and coached at Dudley Kinsgwinford, who were in National 3 at the time. I also coached at Halifax Vandals and most recently at Kirkby Lonsdale as defence and forwards coach while they obtained National Level promotion to the North Premier.
Eccles will be my first coaching role for about 5 years as I have been doing Ironman triathlons. I’ve missed the team environment and having moved to the area recently thought it would be a good idea to look for a local club that has ambition, quality coaching and a good junior set up as my youngest son wants to start playing. I’m looking forward to getting involved and developing the defence at the club. Coming from the West Midlands my favourite food is obviously a curry. Unfortunately living in the North West means it’s difficult to get a decent one!”
Anyone willing to introduce Andrew to the highlights of Rusholme will find him at Mens training on Tuesdays and Thursdays nights, 7pm.
