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Coaches for 2025-26 Season
We are pleased to announce this years coaching line up for men’s senior rugby.
Craig Harvey remains in place as 1st XV head coach and will be supported by Ben Cornford and Phil Crowley. Stuart Gratton comes from our 2nd XV coaching setup and takes his place as assistant forwards coach.
Sy Hopkins retains his role as front row specialist. Chris Tyson continues his role as S&C coach whilst Sam Broadbent steps into the role of defence coach.
Our 2nd XV coaching setup has some new faces as we approach the 2025/26 season.
Symon Hopkins takes over as head coach and he will be supported by Martin Bennett and Alistair Baker
2XV Head Coach – Symon Hopkins
Playing & Coaching Background: Wirral Pathway U9–1st XV, RFU Championship, Nat 1 & 2, WRU Championship, British Army, Armed Forces RL & Scotland, Wooden Spoon (Vets)
Proud to return to Wirral RFC as 2nd XV Head Coach and Club Forwards Skills Coach, continuing the momentum from 2024. Working with a strong coaching team, we’re focused on structure, development, and enjoyment while upholding the core values of Rugby Union. From U9s to 1st XV, we’re committed to strengthening the club pathway and raising standards across the board.
2XV Coach – Alistair Baker
Clubs: Wirral RUFC M&J, 1st XV, Cheshire Men’s Seniors, KL Tigers RUFC, Malaysia Barbarians, Budapest Exiles RUFC, Pakuranga Presidents RUFC
I’m excited to return to Wirral RUFC, where my rugby journey began, now contributing as both a coach and player. My focus is on developing the squad and fostering a positive, supportive team environment where players improve, enjoy their rugby, and feel part of a close-knit group. This season, we aim to build a strong 2nd team—both competitive and a pathway to the 1st XV—by raising standards, effort, and fitness. Let’s make it a great year!
2XV - Coach Martin Bennett
Represented Cheshire Age Group Rugby, Played for Cheshire Legends (Vets), Rugby League with Clatterbridge Crusaders RL, Rugby League at Crewe & Alsager Uni RL, 3× Wirral Inter Club 7s Champion
Back at Wirral in a coaching role after a few seasons out. Grew up at the club – minis to 1st XV – and played pretty much every position (except front row... apparently 7s doesn’t count).
20+ years of senior rugby, played in every team at the club. Try scorer at both second row and fly-half in the same season – niche stat, but I’m proud of it.
Buzzing to be part of a coaching team with Sy and Ali – loads of chats, lots of laughs, and a proper buzz about what this season could be. Ali was best man at my wedding, so this was probably inevitable.
Job this year is simple: help the lads enjoy their rugby, get better, and play as a team of good mates.
To the 2s boys – enjoy it, do the badge proud, and I’ll try not to lose it if you drop one cold.
The club are pleased to confirm the appointment of Josh Connolly as Director of Youth Rugby.
The role will see Josh focus on a more overseeing and strategic view of our pathway. Aiming to continue our reputation as a leading Junior section in the county.
In his role, Josh will be responsible for assisting the pathway age groups from U14s through to the U18s and ensuring they have all the help they need to continue their development into senior rugby.
Josh will also continue to run our U23 fixtures which aims to provide fixtures for our returning university students and keep them involved within the club in some capacity.