Wilson And Stevenson Join Instonians’ Coaching Set-Up

Instonians RFC have announced their coaching structure for the 2016/17 season, with Roger Wilson and Lewis Stevenson both involved.

Current Instonians head coach Wilbur Leacock will become the club’s director of rugby with Brian Barrett taking up an operational role in the rugby committee and continuing his good work with the 2nd XV.

Commenting on the announcement, Leacock said: “I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved as a club over the last four seasons and look forward to continue in getting the best out of a young group of players and a wonderfully exciting new coaching group.”

He will be ably supported by his backroom team, which will see Mark McDowell become head coach after four successful years in the role of backs coach.

Instonians’ new coaching structure also includes Ulster number 8 Roger Wilson who was a member of the 1998 and 2000 RBAI Schools Cup-winning teams.

Wilson said: “To have the opportunity to coach Instonians really excites me. They have a young talented playing squad and I can’t wait to join up with the new coaching group and get started.”

Lewis Stevenson joins Instonians as a player-coach. The towering lock, who is a proven operator in the lineout and the loose, has returned home from Exeter Chiefs after spells with Ulster and Harlequins.

Stevenson commented: “I’m really looking forward to coaching and playing for Instonians RFC for the coming season and bringing the intensity and focus of a professional rugby player. I’ve met the guys and am eager to get into the season.”

Confirming the news, Instonians Chairman Ken Keane added: “With the announcements today we are able to augment the strength of our current coaching set-up with new thinking and freshness to keep us pushing forward with our ambitions.”