West Norfolk coach wants the ‘old’ guard to return

Jamie Williamson wants to add leaders and experience to a young squad after being named as the new coach of West Norfolk Rugby Club.A swathe of old heads have been lost from the squad in recent seasons while several youngsters have been thrown in at the deep end at Gatehouse Lane due to a catalogue of injuries.That is something Williamson is determined to address as the club prepares for the new Counties 2 Eastern Counties season.Williamson said: “I have been able to reach out to several senior players who have drifted away from the club in recent years.”Their experience and skills could provide an invaluable boost to our squad. We will extend our reach to relatively local clubs such as Watton, Swaffham, Dereham, and other nearby areas.”By doing so, we can tap into a broader pool of potential recruits and draw attention to the opportunities available at our club.”We have a very young squad, and in my opinion, we missed the presence of some seasoned players at times last season. “We are actively seeking experienced players looking to return to rugby. This message could resonate with former players who still have a passion for the game and are considering a comeback. “Hopefully, by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, we can attract players who are committed to growing with us and achieving success on and off the field.”Williamson says it is an honour to be handed the role at West Norfolk.”It is an incredible honour and a truly profound moment for me,” he admitted. “Having been a member since I was aged six and involved with the club for more than 35 years, I’ve experienced firsthand the passion, dedication, and community spirit that define West Norfolk Rugby.”I’ve had the privilege of serving as a captain and club captain, and now, stepping into the role of head coach fills me with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility. “This appointment is not just about leading the team; it’s about reinvigorating the men’s teams, fostering a winning mentality, and building on the legacy that so many have contributed to over the years.”The fact that the 2024/25 season marks our centenary makes this opportunity even more special.” The club’s new chief has started to implement a ‘buddy system’ where more experienced players will take a younger or less experienced player of the same position, under their wing.He feels this will strengthen inclusivity, give senior players a sense of responsibility, and provide younger players with someone to learn from directly.Talented players from the second team will be given opportunities to train and play with the first team, providing them with invaluable experience and a clear pathway for progression within the club.Tuesday training sessions at Gatehouse Lane will be primarily dedicated to defence while Thursday’s will be focused on set pieces and gameplay “By structuring our training sessions in this manner, we will create a balanced and thorough training program that addresses all facets of the game,” admitted Williamson.”Our defence-first philosophy will serve as the bedrock of our strategy, while our focus on set pieces and gameplay will ensure that we are a well-rounded and formidable team.”Williamson’s main aim is for the club to bounce back from relegation at the first attempt.”Bouncing back from relegation at the first attempt is incredibly important to the club,” he said. “While I don’t want to dwell on last season, it’s crucial to acknowledge that we were hugely unlucky with injuries.”More than 50 men were called upon to play for the first team, many of whom wouldn’t normally play at that level. This situation inevitably impacted our second team, resulting in an inability to fulfil our fixtures.”Looking ahead to this season, I’m confident that with a full complement of players across both teams, we have the talent needed to achieve promotion at the first attempt and to get the second team back to playing regular rugby.”The biggest challenge, however, will be ensuring we have the numbers available every week. “Consistent player availability is key to our success, and my coaches and I are focused on doing what we can to build and maintain a strong squad throughout the season.”Williamson is interested to hear from anyone interested in coming along and can be contacted by emailing: wnrufc.hc@gmail.com or by calling 07500192210