TAMAR Saracens have strengthened their coaching team as they look to push on ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Former Devonport Services, Launceston and Tavistock coach Mike Lewis has confirmed he will continue to lead the ambitious Counties Three Devon side.

And he has also added former Services and Saltash back Harrison Reburn and Royal Navy forward Chris McDonald to his backroom team, where they will join current coach Cory Moore, director of rugby Pete Lethbridge and team manager Adam Sheldon.

McDonald, who has played for Launceston and Services, will be forwards coach, while Reburn will be backs and attack coach, working alongside Moore, who will be backs and defence coach.

Lewis had no qualms about staying and he is delighted to add Reburn and McDonald to his team.

“I think we have started something quite good,” said Lewis, whose side has finished runners-up two years running in Devon South & West.

“We have increased training numbers, especially in the middle of winter. Even in the worst, worst weather we are now getting enough people to at least be able to do a team run, which is great and I think for a one team club, that’s fantastic.

“Boys are training consistently and I think we are growing and getting better.

“We’ve finished second two years in a row, and we could have won it both times, but I think it is almost a blessing in disguise for us as it is allowing us to grow the team.

“I feel like we are going to go forward again this year.

“And it’s quite exciting to get these two boys (Reburn and McDonald) on board.

“Harrison went to Twickenham with Saltash and had great success with them and then when I was at Services he cemented his place in the centre. Having a player like that, who has got that experience, to come down to Sarries is brilliant.

“We’ve got Corey on board as well, who has played navy rugby, Brixham rugby and played for the Warriors with me when we were younger, and I think him and Harrison can put their heads together and really mould this backline into something special.

“Chris has played for Launceston and got experience of Navy rugby and he’ll have picked up all sorts of gems and that’s what we need.

“I also want someone who is going to say ‘what about this?’, why don’t we try that?’ or ‘can we have a go at this’.

“I feel having Corey, Harrison and Macca on board is going to excel us further on.”

Both Reburn and McDonald are excited about stepping into coaching.

“I am looking forward to it and getting on board,” said Reburn. “I’ve had a few conversations with Mike and I thought it was quite appealing, so I thought, why not give it a crack?

“I’ve had a year where I have not been playing due to a shoulder injury and it seemed like coaching would be the right role and if I get a little game in every now and then that would be ideal.

“Hopefully, I can build a good rapport with the lads and it’ll be good.”

McDonald, who is currently struggling with a back injury, added: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s a new step for me now.

“I have always been interested in trying to go into coaching as I have been in the game a bit.

“I do want to help down here massively as this year (as a player) I really enjoyed it with the boys and Mike.

“I think this club deserves to be in the next level up and I’m looking forward to hopefully helping out as much as I can.

“And I’m also looking forward to learning off Mike. I intend to be like a sponge.”