Our rugby union scholars will have access to exceptional coaching from a highly skilled coaching team. We are privileged to have experienced and knowledgeable rugby union coaches that will guarantee student progression.

 Ian Evans - Head of Rugby 

Having had a playing career in Wales, London and South Yorkshire, Mr Evans is currently in his 21st year at Wath Academy and has coached extensively across junior and senior teams. Over the years, he has worked with elite players through the Yorkshire Elite pathway and coached both South Yorkshire at U15 level, Yorkshire at the 17 and 18 group as well as assisting with the North of England team. At senior level, he was fortunate to coach Wath RUFC to a National Vase final in 2012.

Ryan Burrows - Head Coach

Level Two RFU Coach. Mr Burrows is a Wath Academy alumnus and current professional rugby player at Coventry RFC. He has amassed over 300 professional games and has a wealth of experience and knowledge, having played at Rotherham Titans, Leeds Carnegie and Newcastle Falcons. In total, he has played over 17,000 minutes of professional rugby, scoring 40 tries. Mr Burrows currently works with Coventry U23s, while assisting with Coventry’s RFC 1st XV.

  Simon Lines - Assistant Head Coach

Mr Lines has worked at Wath Academy for 13 years and has coached school teams extensively throughout that time, as well as assisting in junior representative rugby. He has played for Wath RUFC for numerous years, playing more games and captaining the club more than anyone in their history. Having successfully led the team as a player, Mr Lines took over as Wath RUFC Director of Rugby in 2015 and led the team to National Vase success at Twickenham in 2018.

  James Habergham - Strength & Conditioning Coach

Mr Habergham hhas a BSc and MSc in Sports Science and Sport & Exercise Physiology respectively from Leeds Beckett University. Mr Habergham has a wealth of experience in elite sport, currently working as a strength and conditioning coach at Leeds United Regional Talent Centre. He also supports at the Leeds Talent Hub with several Olympic endurance athletes. Mr Habergham has been with Wath Academy since September 2021, working with our football scholarship programme.