Chris Spedding (pictured here on the left working with the DRFC youth players, alongside Club Co-captain, Jarlath Hetherington) will be leading the group, but we are delighted to have such an excellent set of coaches working with the players as they face into Regional South East...

Dartfordians Senior Mens Coaching Team Season 24/25

Chris Spedding – Leading the coaching group with a focus on Set-Piece (Lineout) + Defence

‘Im really excited with the group of players we have, a talented group with huge potential, taking the step up to level 6 is a great opportunity for these players, us as coaches and the club to challenge and develop ourselves as we look to show what we are capable of, performing at a higher level playing excellent rugby’

Coaching experience:

- Harlequins Talent Pathway Coach

- England Rugby Coach Developer

- Richmond Women’s 1st XV Premiership Side

Harry Golding – Coaching focus - Breakdown / Contact alongside Set-Piece (Scrum)

Harry has transitioned from playing to into a coaching role over the last season – A Dartfordian RFC Player since the age of 5 with 44 1st XV caps he has been coaching at Dartford Grammar School supporting Nick whilst also completing his Level 2 RFU coaching qualification.

“Looking forward to another season players achieving their potential and competing against strong teams, week in, week out. Each game will be a challenge which we should relish and use it as an opportunity to grow as a squad of promising players.”

Nick Martin – Coaching focus - Attack / Transition

A great acquisition for the club with Nick joining us from his new role as Director of Rugby @ Dartford Grammar School having moved over from Whitgift School. He has a close connection to the club with his Dad being a Dartfordian stalwart.

‘I am looking forward to helping the players develop their skills and understanding, allowing them to feel they have the confidence to express themselves on the pitch. Developing my own knowledge and learning from a great group of coaches is also a very exciting prospect for me.’

Coaching experience:

- Kent U18

- London and SE Division U18

- Assistant coach at Westcombe park 1st XV and Gravesend 1st XV

- Current Director of Rugby Dartford Grammar School

David Cheng – Coaching focus - Attack

Chengy returns to the fold, a highly experienced and creative mind he will be a big asset to take our Attack to the next level alongside Nick, whilst also supporting the development the future talent at the club.

‘I am looking forward to working with a young committed squad aspiring to play attractive rugby in what’s a highly competitive league, returning for a third stint at the club but this time working with some of the younger players as we try to build for the future.’

Coaching experience:

- England Rugby Community Coach + Coach Developer

- Saracens/Kent DPP/PDG U16

- South East Centre of Excellence U18 Girls

- Old Colfeians Men

- Beccehamians Men

- Colfes School

- Chis & Sid School

Selector: Kent U18/20; LSE U18; Kent Women

Ade Ojigbo - Coaching focus – Demons + Attack

Ade is back for another season in a coaching role continuing to support the Demons to be a force to be reckoned with whilst working on individual skill development for players across all of teams.

‘Still claiming to be “semi-retired”, my rugby coaching CV is relatively short in comparison, but I have played across both codes and experienced some great coaches. I have a real focus on backs and skills, which I’m utilising by coaching at elite and invitational 7s competitions across London and the SE

I really enjoyed last season with the backs and managing the 2s on Saturdays. Following on from what was a really successful season last year for the 1s and 2s. As a coach, I am keen to learn more and to support a competitive environment that is inclusive and enjoyable.’