MALVERN Rugby Football Club have appointed a new chairman in the form of ex-club captain and director of rugby Andy Longley.

Longley replaces John Holden, who previously held the role since 2015, as the chairman following the recent Annual General Meeting. 

In a statement, the club said: "We are delighted to announce Andy Longley as the new club chairman replacing John Holden, who had been in the role since 2015.

"Andy Longley needs no introduction. The former club captain, Director of Rugby, and avid club supporter was a very popular choice when stepping into the role.

"His involvement at the club has also seen his two sons, Tom and Jack, represent the 1XV and his daughter, Jess, still represent the club’s touch teams.

"The club would like to extend their thanks to the departing chair, John Holden.

"John has excelled in his role which involved navigating the club through unpredictable times during the Covid era.

"The club has improved on and off the pitch during his tenure and he certainly leaves the club in a strong position. John’s ‘off the cuff’ singing in the changing rooms and showers are legendary and we look forward to him continuing this role going forward."

Longley's appointment comes amidst a fair amount of change at Spring Lane this season.

Ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, the club appointed a new director of rugby in Marc Gaubert, as well as announcing a new coaching team and club captain - Joe Budd - for the senior teams.

Ieuan Mustow is in his first season as first-team coach/player, being assisted by new forward coach Morgan Monks and Tom Hale as first-team manager.  John Clark has come on board as strength & conditioning coach whilst Emma Fosh has taken the reigns of managing the second team. 

On the pitch, it has been a positive start to the season, with three senior teams regularly taking to the field.

The firsts have been competitive in their challenging Regional 2 Midlands West league. Despite only winning once, they have drawn three games and taken losing bonus-points from all but one of their losses.

The Seconds are flying high in the Counties 4 Midlands West (South), sitting fourth but only three points off the leaders with a game in hand. The Thirds have also enjoyed several entertaining run-outs.

After a week off last weekend for the firsts and seconds, they are back in action on Saturday in their respective leagues. The 1XV host Stratford-Upon-Avon (2PM kick-off), whilst the 2s go to Redditch 2s.