JAMES DIGWEED is hoping he can guide OPMs to a top-five finish in Counties Two Devon next season after taking over as their new head coach.
Digweed is stepping up to replace Andy Williams, who stood down at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Former Plymouth Albion player Williams had been the Old Boys’ head coach for three years and guided them to promotion in his first season and two top eight finishes in Counties Two Devon.
They finished seventh this year and also won the Devon Junior Bowl.
And Digweed wants to continue the club’s upward progress.
“I’m honoured to have been appointed head coach for the upcoming season,” he said.
“Having been involved with the club on and off since the age of 15 – over 22 years – I have a deep-rooted connection and a strong desire to see the club continue to grow and succeed.
“With the talented playing group we have and the exceptional coaching team supporting me, I’m confident we can build momentum and continue to strengthen over the coming seasons.
“I would also like to acknowledge the impact of Andrew Williams, under whom I had the privilege of working last season. His decision to step down marks a significant moment for the club, as he consistently guided the team to stronger performances over the past three years.
“I’m aware I have big shoes to fill, and I’m committed to continuing the positive trajectory he helped establish.”
He added: “Our aim for the season is a top five finish. Last year, we were unfortunate to lose several matches in the closing stages, and I genuinely believe we were the strongest team in the league for the first 60 minutes of many games so we will look this season at how we can develop this going forward.
“Recruitment will undoubtedly play a key role, but we already have a core group of highly-talented players and I’m excited to work with them as head coach from here on in.
“We’ll be putting together a solid pre-season programme, including competitive fixtures, to ensure we’re fully prepared to hit the ground running when the season kicks off.”
Digweed will be supported by assistant coaches Steve Coles, who will oversee the backs, and former Championship player John Downey, who will lead the forwards.
OPMs chairman Matt Glastonbury said: “Following a selection process which included the executive committee, players and colts representation, we were impressed with James’ approach, attitude and enthusiasm towards training and game-play.
“He has also confirmed his coaching team who will bring new ideas and energy to the club and we are looking forward to seeing them all develop, communicate and support the players this season.
“Following three excellent seasons under Andrew Williams’ tutelage to gain promotion from Tribute Devon Three and ensure Tribute Devon Two consistency, we are looking to push on with a competitive side in preparation for an improved finish this season.”
Glastonbury added: “As a committee, we feel that this is a very strong appointment with James knowing the club well by already having coached and supported our players and understanding the OPM values that we want to promote and achieve as a rugby club.
“We look forward to supporting him and the coaches and management team next season and to the positive results and outcomes we would like to see as an ever growing and successful rugby club who are always looking to develop and improve at all levels of the club.”
Meanwhile, OPMs’ Matt Smale will captain Devon under-20s in their County Championship quarter-final tie away at Berkshire on Sunday.
Also on Sunday, Saltash will be looking to win a third trophy of the season when they take on Helston in the final of the Cornwall Clubs’ Cup at Hayle (4pm).
James Sutton comes into the starting line-up for the Ashes on his 50th appearance for the club.
There are also starts for Axel Nicks, Fin Jones, Ryan Simmons and Lewis Woolaway as Saltash make five changes – all in the pack – to the team that narrowly lost to eventual champions Old Elthamians in the semi-finals of the Papa Johns Counties Two Cup.
Saltash have already won the Counties Two Cornwall title and the Lockie Cup. Their 22-17 loss to former National League side Old Elthamians has been their only defeat of the season.
Cornwall open their senior County Championship campaign on Saturday when they host Kent at Redruth. Devon, who beat Gloucestershire 54-14 last week, are not in action this weekend.