A CREDITON rugby coach has become one of 2,015 people to become a Level 2 rugby coach in the UK, reaching the milestone set by the RFU.

Toby Newstead, from Crediton RFC, completed the QBE Coaching Club programme, three years after he first started coaching.

Toby first began coaching in 2012 when his son started playing rugby and he volunteered to help run training sessions.

After completing the course, Toby said: “The QBE Coaching Club has helped me as a coach in a lot of ways.

“It has given me new skills and drills to try out in training and share with other coaches within the club. It has helped me adapt my sessions in order to get the best out of my players.”

Since he started coaching, Toby has developed his love of coaching, and now works with U12 boys and U15 girls teams at Crediton.

Richard Pryce, Chief Executive Officer at QBE, said: “The QBE Coaching Club initiative has achieved its target of recruiting 2,015 new Level 2 coaches. This means QBE coaches across the country will positively impact 50,000 players, helping to improve long term participation in rugby clubs in the communities QBE Business Insurance operates in.”

The programme was established to ensure that there are enough quality rugby coaches in England to welcome new players and encourage them to stay within the sport.

England Head Coach, Stuart Lancaster, added: “the 2,015 new QBE coaches will have a fundamental impact on grassroots rugby in this country. It’s a fantastic initiative and an incredible legacy to leave.”

RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger said: “This is such an exciting year for rugby and we’re delighted to have achieved our target, working with QBE Insurance, of recruiting and training 2,015 new Level 2 coaches.”

For more information, visit www.QBErugby.com.