Record try-scorer Tom Varndell steps into English grassroots to cut his teeth in coaching
Record Premiership try-scorer Tom Varndell isn’t finished sniffing out scores just yet after playing last season with relegated Yorkshire Carnegie in the Championship. The 34-year-old wasn’t sure what his next move might be when interviewed by RugbyPass in mid-April.
However, that uncertainty about what Varndell would do after leaving Yorkshire has now been solved as the ex-England winger has opted to become a player/coach at National 2 South club, Bury St Edmunds. His past links with the grassroots club’s performance director, Terry Sands, have led him dropping down two levels to cut his teeth as a coach while also finishing his playing career off.
Varndell had been due to visit the Suffolk club as a celebrity at their annual sevens tournament, but Sands, the ex-England 7s manager, got talking about what he was doing for 2020/21 and one thing quickly led to another, the ex-Leicester and Wasps flyer agreeing to become skills and attack coach.
Speaking on the Bury St Edmunds website, Sands said: "I asked him what he was doing this year and he said he wanted to get into coaching having now stopped playing full-time on a professional basis. I took the chance to seize the opportunity and suggested to Tom we could help with the next part of his journey and it all came together. It was not about money for him, it was all about the opportunity with us.”
Varndell arrives in place of ex-Ireland international Kevin Maggs, the former Moseley boss who cited travelling from Bristol as a factor in stepping away for next season at the club who gave upcoming London Welsh director of rugby Cai Griffiths his start as a coach in 2016/17.
Terry added: "He always has time for people and it will be all about what some of our players' aspirations are, as they will be able to speak to him and soak up all his knowledge and experience. It's fantastic for the club and it is fantastic for our supporters, including all of our volunteers and sponsors that have supported the club over the years.”
Varndell, who has moved into sports agency work with Elite Player Management, told RugbyPass last month: "I’m 34 now and the body, it’s had enough. I think I will play semi-professionally and will carry on training because I enjoy that aspect, but in terms of being smashed and the body aching, that’s me done. The tough year with Yorkshire was pretty much the final nail in the coffin.”
Latest Comments
Think it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
Go to commentsJust came back from the game and the atmosphere was amazing. Players stayed afterwards for more than a hour to sign stuff and take photos with fans. Great day out.
Go to comments