Senior Mens Coaching Staff 2024/25

Hear from our senior men’s coaches, Mark Neilly, Taylor Tweedie and Chris Cousens as they prepare for the season ahead! 

Mark Neilly (Senior Head Coach)

“I am delighted and honoured to be asked to continue as Head coach for the incoming 2024/25 season with the senior Squad. Since I first took up the position 3 years ago I have seen the club start to move in the right direction by developing the youth structures and rebuilding strong connections with the local schools. This has allowed us as a club to grow our own ‘timber’ which is now starting to produce numbers at training and making it a very home grown competitive environment. These connections have been vital in creating the senior player pool I am working with this season with over 40+players training on a regular basis. I am excited to work with the new coaching staff of Taylor Tweedie (forwards) and Chris Cousins (backs), who will bring their own fresh ideas to the group. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my previous assistant coach Barry Gribben for all he contributed over the last 3 years on the journey to where we as a club have advanced to now. I look forward to seeing how the squad develop further during the 2024/25 in what will be a very competitive league campaign and look forward to the challenges ahead – Rugby”

Taylor Tweedie added (Senior Forwards Coach)

“Given my long-term injury out of rugby, it was a pleasure to be asked by Chunka to stay involved with the team and to become the senior forwards coach for the 24/25 season. On the pitch, the squad is in a strong position with the addition of new players to the team, both experienced and young, who will add real depth and keep competition for places high. The boys have had a tough pre-season and worked tremendously hard with the volume of content that has been thrown at them, along with intense physical training. Behind the scenes and off the pitch, there has been a great deal of work taking place, helping to secure new sponsorships, new kit deal and significant efforts into the betterment of the pitches around the club.
It’s great to see the club moving forward in the right direction and I’m sure the results on the pitch will reflect the continuous hard work that many are doing around PRFC!”

Chris Cousens added (Senior Backs Coach)

“I’m truly honoured to be part of this incredible club and can already feel the buzz in the air. The commitment, energy, and numbers at training have been fantastic, and there’s a quiet confidence growing that this squad will make waves across the province this season.

As a ‘Coach Player’ – with coaching as the priority – I’m eager to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years under some brilliant coaches. I was close to hanging up my boots for good and starting an illustrious golf career, but thanks to Chunka, I’m back and ready to focus on our talented backline. With an unprecedented number of backs across our 3 senior men’s squads, it’s going to be an exciting year.

Fresh season, fresh faces, and a fresh opportunity to achieve something special. I wish all the best to every team in the PRFC community – let’s make this a season to remember!”