Old heads to lead new look Swords

Swords Rugby are back in pre-season training, with two familiar faces taking up the coaching reigns for the new campaign.
As the club gear up for the challenge of a new season in a revised Leinster League Division 3, Richie Cowman and Matt Corbett have been appointed as the new senior coaches. The pair are key figures at the Fingal club and will be looking to take the Greens to the next level.

For over a decade, Cowman has been the lynchpin, heartbeat and fulcrum of what was originally Aer Lingus RFC, then ALSAA and now Swords. The outhalf was an integral part of the famed airline side, which rose through the ranks to the brink of senior rugby at the turn of the century, a player of the highest calibre. The same could be said of second row Matt Corbett, the towering adopted New Zealander whose giant frame and athleticism was another key component through the years.

As captain, Corbett, like Cowman, led by example, and the pair finally hung up their boots at the end of the season. Together, they'll look to instil some of their own experience, determination and undoubted talent into their former team-mates. ‘They both epitomise all that is good about our club,' last season's club captain Shane Mulligan explained. ‘They had such a strong influence on the pitch and I've no doubt they can be equally as effective on the sidelines.'

With a handful of first team regulars moving on for one reason of another, all at Swords are aware that the coming year will be about change and moving in the right direction. And it's a challenge Cowman is eager to embrace. ‘We know where we're at now and we've already gotten two months of pre-season training under our belts,' he said. ‘It's going to be a tough year, but at the same time it's exciting. ‘You can't help but look forward to what we can achieve. It'll be a new side, with new faces and new ideas, but the club ethos of playing attractive, running rugby, built on the foundations of a solid pack will remain.'

Pre-season training takes place every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm at ALSAA and the club are on the lookout for new talent. For further information, contact Richie on 086-8536837.