Meet the new Performance coaching team

With the departure of Cai after a hugely successful run as DoR, a new coaching team has now been put into place to ensure London Welsh continues to build on the journey so far.

As we build to the next phase of project reset and the coming 2026/27 season, we are delighted to announce your senior coaching group at London Welsh RFC.

Long time project reset club board director Jon Shankland moves from Head of Performance Rugby to take on the role as Director of Rugby.

We welcome George Trimmer as our new Sporting Director, who will oversee all performance rugby coaching for the club. The former fly half is a fantastic rugby man who has coaching experience at both Richmond RFC and Rosslyn Park, having originally led the BUCS Super Rugby side at Nottingham University, after being forced to retire from his playing career at a young age following career ending injury sustained playing for Nottingham RFC in the Championship. George brings an already impressive rugby coaching CV to Old Deer Park, along with connections across the sporting world.

Max Bodilly continues in his role as lead attack coach, and takes on the lead coach role in addition. The former Exeter Chief and Ealing Hall of Fame player, took home the player of the season award in his first season as player coach. His dynamic and modern approach to attack had a clear impact on what was a potent offensive side last term.

Will Evans needs little introduction, the Harlequins Backrower has been one of the most standout performing back rows in the Premiership in recent seasons. Will brings with him a cutting edge coaching thought process that is current and progressive. Will also confirms the strengthening of connections between London Welsh and Harlequins, particularly the academy pathway (more on this to come).

George Dean takes the Mantle as Head of Strength & Conditioning. A superb physical development coach, George is the current Head of Physical Development at Crystal Palace FC and has already begun work with the squad in the off season.

David Thomas comes in as Head of Medical, overseeing the medical and physiotherapy needs of the performance squad. David runs his own clinic in central london and is also a lead physio at Chelsea Football Club.

Mike Willemse takes charge of the scrum and engine room! A targeted hire with exceptional pedigree, focused on front five performance at scrum.time. Mike is a current Ealing RFC Championship winner, and formerly making big impressions at the Stormers in his home country, as well as London Irish in the Premiership and Edinburgh in the URC. Mike is a former South African u20 International.

Fraser Wem: familiar to many of the supporters, Fraser joined Welsh last season as a second row. Fraser is an experienced player, formerly turning out for Richmond, Esher and Newcastle. Fraser made a real impact part way through the season in taking on the lead lineout analysis role, and the club has placed its faith in Fraser for the coming season as he takes on the lineout responsibility proper.

Finally, Alex Holloway - Lead Analyst

Alex has spend recent seasons running analysis at Ealing RFC and has a masters in sport and exercise science from the university of Birmingham; a key brick as we build our off field capability.

We are excited by this talented and young coaching group, all keen to make their mark as a group on National League Rugby!

You will have the opportunity to meet the new team at the up and coming club AGM. A big season incoming!