MIKE LEWIS has joined the coaching team at Western West side Plymstock Oaks after leaving Tamar Saracens.
The former Devonport Services and Launceston head coach will link up with Lewis Paterson and Richard Edwards, who have both committed again to another season at Horsham Fields.
Head coach Paterson is delighted to have Lewis on board at Oaks for next season.
He said: “I’m thrilled to announce the addition of Mike Lewis to our coaching team this season.
“Mike brings an impressive rugby CV, both as a player and coach. His extensive knowledge and experience will be invaluable in driving our club and players to new heights, both on and off the pitch. His proven track record of success as a coach makes his involvement a significant asset to our club.
“Equally exciting is the return of Richard Edwards for the next season. Richard’s impact last season was remarkable, particularly in enhancing our forward play.
“His unmatched rugby expertise and experience have been instrumental in our growth, and I am delighted to have him back to continue building on these achievements.
“With Mike and Richard on board, I am fortunate to have two of the best coaches locally. Their combined expertise will greatly benefit our club, players, and youth teams. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of Plymstock Oaks RFC, and we look forward to seeing what the next season will bring.”
Former Plymouth Albion lock Lewis is looking forward to the challenge and hopes he can bring something new to Oaks, who have finished in the top four of Western West for the past two seasons.
“It’s a different face and a different voice,” said Lewis. “I maybe saying the same things, but just in a different way.
“They score points – they are always scoring tries – but it is just about trying to keep a few out now and maybe just get that extra bonus point or extra few points here or there to take that next step.”
Lewis believes Oaks is a club with a lot of potential.
“Just going up there recently you can see the pitch looks immaculate,” he said. “They have committee members up there every day of the week working on the pitch and facilities and they have just put a gym in now that all players get to go to and for the young lads coming through that is a big driver.
“They have plenty of physios and they have a lot of players, but obviously could still do with a couple more to strengthen the depth of the first and second team.
“But the footprint is there for them to succeed and they have plenty of plans.
“They have bags of potential, which makes it exciting for players in that area. They have a big youth section and they have their first batch of colts coming through in a long time. They have about eight or nine colts coming up to seniors this season so having that influx of youth players, with that fitness and enthusiasm, does give an extra boost to a side.
“I’m really excited about it. I think it is a club with bags of potential.”