Over recent months, we’ve all spent time reviewing what we want the Academy to stand for — a clear, inclusive, and player-centred environment that develops good people as well as good players. The new structure has been designed to provide a consistent and supportive journey for all players aged 15–18, aligning the boys’ and girls’ programmes under one shared vision and framework.

To lead this next phase, I’m delighted to introduce:

• Rodger Lambert – Academy Director
• Chris Robinson – Head of Academy

Both contactable on sandalruacademy@gmail.com

Rodger and Chris will oversee the delivery of the Academy strategy, working closely with age-grade coaches to ensure that everything we do links back to our core principles. Their focus will be on creating a professional learning environment that supports coaches as much as it develops players — encouraging collaboration, shared resources, and consistent messaging throughout our pathway.

The following age groups will form the initial focus of this rollout:

• U15 Boys
• U16 Boys
• U16 Girls
• U18 Girls

We’ll be holding a series of presentation evenings and Q&A sessions shortly (one focused towards coaches and another towards parents and players) where Roger and Chris will outline how the structure works in practice, what support will be available, and how it fits into the wider “One Club” culture we’re building.

This is an exciting step forward for Sandal — one that brings together our people, pathway, and purpose under a single shared direction.
Thanks as always for your support and commitment.

Tim Wicks
Director of Rugby
Sandal RUFC