New Windsor coach Symons creating enjoyable environment to play rugby

Andy Symons has had a ‘fantastic’ start to life as Windsor RFC’s head coach and hopes to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for the players to play grassroots rugby.

Symons takes over from Neal Kennedy, who stepped into the hotseat after Jack Pattinson was forced to stand down due to his increasing coaching commitments at London Irish.

Having had just over three months to get his feet under the desk and become acquainted with the first team squad, Symons is feeling confident about his future at Home Park and the Royals’ forthcoming campaign.

“It’s been fantastic so far. It’s a great group of people at Windsor and that was the main attraction for me joining,” he said.

“It’s people that care an awful lot which gives me a lot of energy. I am looking to create a really enjoyable place to play especially after a tough couple of years for grassroots rugby.

“I want people to enjoy coming down to training on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and playing on a Saturday afternoon. I want to help the players develop and improve their skills.

“If you are looking to be really ambitious in your rugby career or if you are looking to play for fun, I want us to cater for that.

“We’re entering the unknown with the new league I suppose so my ambitions are more about establishing a brand of rugby that the guys can really get behind [rather than a league position].

“I’ve been given a fantastic opportunity and I am really enjoying getting stuck in.”

Windsor begin their pre-season this weekend with a good test against Reading RFC.