West Park’s Jones leaves RFU for Liverpool role

Dec 12 2007 by Ron Roby, Liverpool Daily Post

West Park’s Jones leaves RFU for Liverpool role

WEST PARK’S head coach Martin Jones is to leave his post as the Rugby Football Union’s Development Officer after more than a decade at the game’s governing body.

The good news for West Park is that Jones’ switch to Liverpool City Council as their Club Development Officer will not disrupt their set up and he will remain in charge of first team affairs.

“The offer came and I am excited at the prospect of furthering my career,” Jones commented.

“It is a new post and I will be working across the board with youngsters throughout the region.

“It means also that I am able to continue my coaching at West Park. Clearly my ambition is to make sure we consolidate and stay in National 3 North having worked so hard to get there.”

Jones leaves his official RFU post feeling the game in the North West is in a ‘very healthy state.’

He added: “As far as numbers are concerned I believe we have developed significantly in the last four years since England won the rugby World Cup.

“It is now up to the clubs to work out the right strategy to take the game forward.”

Meanwhile there was further good news for Park this week as they have held off rivals Flyde’s advances to lure key player Rob Hitchmough to the Woodlands.

The ex-Harlequin has decided to stay put for the time being at least.

Hitchmough’s departure would certainly have been a huge loss to Park with the side still not fully out of the threatened zone and his experience and opportunism often so invaluable.

Meanwhile Liverpool University winger Matt Williams will make his home debut for West Park this Saturday.

The 19-year-old architectural student did well on his first outing the other week scoring twice and would love to repeat that against Leicester Lions at Red Rocks this time round.

However he will find out whether he is really ready to be thrown in the at the deep end with the Midland side having a good season and in a winning streak at the moment.