Jersey Reds have announced former England hooker Rob Webber as the club’s new Forwards Coach.
Webber, who is in the final season of a playing career that included 16 international caps and more than 300 appearances at the top level of domestic rugby, will move to the Island this summer to link up with former team-mate Harvey Biljon, the Reds’ Director of Rugby.
Biljon said he was looking forward to welcoming Webber to the Island.
‘We’ve spoken to some very high quality individuals about the role, but Rob stood out and I’ve had a lot of positive endorsements from people I respect,” he said. “He knows the game and is very articulate and I believe his character will really transmit itself to the others he’ll be working with.
“There’s a lot of excitement about Rob’s arrival and it will be great to have him working in harness with [Assistant Coach] Ed Robinson – two really promising young English coaches.”
Webber, 33, who will move to the Island with his wife Lauren and daughter Ronnie, said:
“I am really excited about moving to Jersey and joining The Reds’ coaching team. It’s a great opportunity for me and my family as I set out on the next phase of my career.
“It is an exciting squad that Harvey and the guys are putting together and I look forward to contributing to helping the lads push on.
“I’d like to thank Harvey and [Reds Chairman] Mark Morgan for giving me the opportunity.”
Born in York in August 1986, Webber played his first top-level rugby for Leeds Carnegie before joining Wasps in 2005. During the early stages of a seven-season stint with Wasps, he spent time on loan at Blackheath, where Biljon was Player-Coach. Webber’s career then took him to Bath for four years before he joined Sale Sharks in 2016.
Webber will take on the Forwards Coach role following the departure of Neil Tunnah, who confirmed recently that he'll be leaving the Reds this summer after three years.
Pics courtesy Creative Capture/Sale Sharks