Petersfield RFC is delighted to announce that Chris Brooker and Derek Eldridge will take on the roles of 2XV forwards and backs coaches ahead of the 26/27 season. Between them, the pair bring more than four decades of playing and coaching experience to the senior men's setup, along with a deep, lived understanding of what the club stands for.

Both men know Penns Place inside out, and both arrive at a pivotal moment. After a tough 25/26 campaign, the 2XV are opening a new chapter in Hampshire Counties 3, and the club believes there are few better placed to help rebuild squad depth, standards and identity than two of its own.

Derek is a Petersfield legend in every sense, having played for 31 years in red, white and green and captained the 1XV for a long stint. It could go without saying that he is one of the best players ever to pull on a Petersfield shirt. Off the pitch, he has previously served as the club's Director of Rugby and coached the senior men's side under Steve Pemberthy. Most recently he has been coaching his daughter at Havant RFC, and we are thrilled to have him back involved with his home club. His appointment as 2nd team backs coach is central to the joined-up playing philosophy being built across the senior sides.

Director of Rugby Matt McLean said: "We are delighted to have Del as part of our coaching group for the forthcoming season. As our 2nd team backs coach, Del's experience and long-standing association with the club will help further embed the synergies we are driving between the 1st and 2nd teams — evolving our exciting playing style within our emerging player group."

Chris is a club legend at Penns Place too, having represented Petersfield as a player for 17 consecutive seasons since 2007, and even turning out for the 2XV on a number of occasions during the 25/26 season. He arrives in the senior coaching team fresh from a successful campaign leading the colts, and that connection to the youth section may prove his most valuable asset of all. As forwards coach, Chris will be perfectly placed to help bridge the gap between youth and men's rugby, smoothing the path for the next generation of Petersfield players in the years to come.

Matt McLean added: "It's great to have Chris involved and part of the senior coaching team. Chris will add huge value to the progress and development of our 2nd team, particularly around the retention of colts players migrating to senior rugby. Welcome aboard, Chris."

Chairman Stuart Barden was equally enthusiastic about the appointments: "Derek and Chris are not only good coaches, but top blokes and great club men, and I'm over the moon that they are stepping in this year to run our 2's. They bring a wealth of experience from playing, coaching and operating to the club's values and goals. They will be invaluable to us this season as we look to stabilise our 2's and bring quality senior squad depth to the club. Thigh-rubbingly exciting."

With two of their most respected servants back in the fold, there is a real sense of optimism at Penns Place ahead of the 26/27 season.