Press Release: 20th July 2008

Mark Mapletoft has been appointed as Southend Rugby Clubs consultant coach for the upcoming 2008-09 season. Mapletoft will join a strong coaching staff which includes current premiership Saracens player Kris Chesney, Gary Cook, Gary Smith, Paul Goodey and Stuart Singleton as well as specialist fitness and conditioning coaches Steve Timmins and Simon Nainby.

The 34 year old, ex England fly half who spent the best part of a decade at Gloucester before spells at Saracens, NEC Harlequins and London Irish brings his considerable experience and knowledge to the Warners Bridge Park side whils continuing in his very successful role as England's U20's coach. Marks time with England U20's has seen them win last seasons Six Nations Grand Slam and more recently reach the final of the U20's World Cup.

Director of Rugby, Ben Green believes that Mapletofts involvement is something of a coup for the National 2 side and said "This is superb and we're thrilled to have Mark with us"

Whils Mapletoft himself is looking forward to the challenge of working with the squad on a regular basis, getting more time coaching his squad than he is afforded working with the National U20's team he said "We're an attacking team who score plenty of tries and points but there are opportunities to get better defensively and it's something we will be working on"

Southend have three warm up games in August.

16th August  v Canterbury away.

23rd August v Esher at home.

30th August v London Scottish at home.