Former England centre Kyle Eastmond joins Championship club

Today marks the departure of Assistant Coach Tom Williams, who has seized an exciting opportunity with the Newcastle Falcons. Stepping into his role is a fresh addition to the squad, none other than the former dual-code England international, Kyle Eastmond.

Having started his pro career in rugby league with St Helens in 2007, Eastmond made his debut the following year and amassed more than 70 appearances, including four England caps, prior to switching codes and joining top-flight rugby union club Bath in 2011.

The 34-year-old featured for both Bath and England (six caps) alongside Rob Webber, now Head Coach with the Reds, and subsequently played for Wasps and Leicester Tigers until he returned briefly to league in 2021.

Biljon said: “Kyle is known for his rugby understanding as a player and we are excited that he’s bringing an extra layer of detail to the group. He’s at the start of his journey into coaching and the players have responded very enthusiastically to working with him during the past couple of weeks.”

After a win over Richmond in their sole pre-season outing, the Reds will play their first competitive match of the season away to London Scottish on Sunday September 10th as part of the opening weekend of the Premiership Cup, in which Championship Clubs are playing for the first time.

Oxford Harlequins welcomed the former premiership record try scorer who will take on a dual role combining his rugby management career with his exceptional rugby talent.

Varndell has agreed to assume the position of Head of Rugby at Oxford Brookes University, which has close links to Oxford Harlequins.

In addition to his management role, he will also become the Head of Community at the club, while still playing for the team.

Marcus Boswell, the student sport manager at Oxford Brookes had the following to say about their star capture;

Simpson joined seventh tier side Our Priorians in February, and made his debut for the Saints the following weekend against London Sussex.

The scrum-half - who made 230 appearances for Wasps in the Premiership (along with spells for Gloucester, Bath and Sale) and played for England at the 2011 World Cup - retired from the professional game in December 2022 and follows his brother Michael in pulling on the OPs shirt.

In 2019, Andy Goode came out of retirement for one night and one night only! He played in a charity match to raise funds for Tom Day, a police officer who died and he didn't disappoint.

The legendary England prop still loves to scrum down whenever he gets the chance.

England legend and World Cup winner Tindall plays a selection of matches for Minchinhampton, the club close to his home.  

The centre played outside centre for Bath and Gloucester, and won 75 caps for England between 2000 and 2011. He was a member of the England squad which won the 2003 World Cup.