Petersfield RFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Tart as Forwards coach for our Senior Men's setup. A North East man who long ago made the South Coast his home, Andy brings a rugby life's worth of miles, experience and know-how to Penns Place.

His playing days began at Guisborough RFC before rugby drew him south, and it was at Havant that he made his mark, featuring through one of the club's most successful eras. Spells at Worthing, Chichester and Portsmouth followed, and his form along the way earned him county recognition with both Hampshire and Sussex.

The coaching side of his CV is every bit as rich. He cut his teeth at CHSB, went on to lead sport as Head of Sport at St John's College, Southsea, and has since taken the reins as Head Coach at both US Portsmouth and Alton RFC. Most recently he spent five years as Lead Coach with the Harlequins Developing Player Programme (DPP), work that speaks to what drives him: developing players, growing their confidence, and building an environment where people want to turn up, get better and enjoy their rugby.

Director of Rugby Matt McLean said: "We are excited to have Andy on board, taking up the Forwards coach position for our Senior Men's. Andy comes with a wealth of experience, having previously been Head Coach at Alton RFC and coached with the Harlequins DPP. His coaching and communication style is infectious and is having a great impact already, and his shared vision for positive attacking rugby will no doubt help elevate our performance and development across the entire group."

Chairman Stuart Barden added: "Andy is exactly the kind of coach we want at Petersfield. His track record speaks for itself, but it's his energy and the way he connects with players that really stands out. I've no doubt he'll raise the standard right across the club, and I'm thrilled to welcome him to Penns Place."

1XV Captain Karter Whittock said: "Having been coached by Andy previously, I know he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. He's a top coach, and the sessions he's taken already have brought the boys together with great engagement. I for one can't wait to see what happens with this man in the set-up."

Petersfield RFC is very excited with this appointment, and we know that Andy is the right man for the job to take us up a level further, both on the pitch and off of it.