With the league season kicking off this weekend we thought we would take this time to introduce you to the coaching and leadership team for this upcoming season.

Daren Maeer has been appointed to the Head Coach role on a permanent basis following a successful spell during our cup run at the end of last season. Retiring from the game last season due to injury, Daren brings with him years of experience of playing at a high level both at Beccles and other local clubs.

Daren will be supported by Tris Holtzer who continues in his role as forwards coach. The backs will be coached by Leigh Gedney who will combine this role with playing duties during the season.

Director of Rugby Keith Johnstone said "We are fortunate this year that we have been able to put together such a great team of club stalwarts to lead the squad this season".

Our Captain for this season will be Ollie Larkworthy with his Vice-Captain responsibilities being taken on by Michael Suchy. Both Ollie and Mike have been key parts of our backline for many years now and are both vocal players who lead from the front, making them clear choices to take on leadership roles this season.

Jack Baldry has also taken on the role of Team Manager this season to assist with organisation of the squad and recruiting players into the club.

2023/ 24 Senior Leadership Team:
Director of Rugby – Keith Johnstone
Head Coach – Daren Maeer
Forwards Coach – Tris Holtzer
Backs Coach – Leigh Gedney
Colts Coach – Stuart Adams
Captain – Ollie Larkworthy
Vice Captain – Mike Suchy
Team Manager – Jack Baldry

Pre-season has been going well with good numbers taking part in both strength & conditioning and skill-based sessions. We have been able to attract a number of new players to the squad this season with varying levels of experience and all have been working hard and have slotted in well in our pre-season friendly games against Thetford and Crusaders. An increase in player depth this season will help create competition in both our 1XV and 2XV this season.

We will be further strengthened by our strong colts team this season who most of whom will be coming into their final year of youth rugby. Although, crucially remaining as a colts side for their final year, we will be looking to integrate them into the senior section over the course of the year. Stuart Adams great work with this team over the years showed towards the end of last season with 12 players making into either the Eastern Counties or Norfolk programs and a handful also making their senior debuts.

We have had two strong performances in our two pre-season games. We were just beaten by higher league Crusaders before a victory away at Thetford under the lights on Friday.

Head Coach Maeer said ‘The boys have been training hard which showed in two good performances. A lot of players have stood up which will make selection for the season opener this Saturday very difficult!’.

Beccles kick off the season with a trip to Norwich 2XV and will be looking to get their season off to a winning start!