By Isle of Wight Observer
Sandown & Shanklin RFC (the Hurricanes) have appointed Keith Wallace as head coach for 2024-’25. Keith has almost ten years coaching experience, with the past five years as head coach at Isle of Wight RFC, where he coached the club to promotion into Hampshire 1. He has also spent time as a performance analyst, and, as a youth coach for Gordon League RFC and forwards coach for University of Gloucestershire Women’s Team, all whilst studying at university.
Keith shared his thoughts following his appointment. He said: “I am proud and excited to be announced as the new head coach of Sandown & Shanklin RFC. I want to thank the club’s management for this opportunity, and I look forward to working with them to drive the club forward on and off the pitch. I am inheriting a strong playing squad, and I aim to build on the success from last season’s promotion with another competitive campaign in the new league. We will also be targeting another strong showing from the 2nd XV with another promotion push. With preseason underway, the hard work has already begun and I can’t wait to get out on the training field with the players, in preparation for our opening home game against Ellingham & Ringwood.”
Team captains for the approaching season were confirmed as Sam Rees (1st XV) returning to the role after six years; and Ben Kulik (2nd XV).