It is with regret to advise the LRU and wider rugby family that Mr Tom Kilburn has decided to step down as head coach of the Women’s team. He remains the lead coach with the Girls section, with support from his manager Jon Foster. Tom is working towards his Level 3 coaching qualification and wishes to restore quality time with his family. He has also taken on a the Head Coach role at Birstall RFC. Good luck Tom!

‘I personally want to thank Tom for the dedication and hard work resulting in the super result last season winning the level 2 Gill Burns county championship’. – Mark Powell, Director of Rugby

Tom is to be replaced by Steve Duffus as head coach, with the rest of the coaching team remaining in place; George Richardson and Marc Birr.

We wish to congratulate Steve on the appointment, and look forward to the continued success and working with him to develop his skills and achieve his Level 3 RFU Badge. Steve has played at Loughborough University for 5 years where he is due to complete a PhD in Quantum Physics. He started coaching as assistant coach at Loughborough Students Women’s RFC in 2015, moving to be Head Coach at Loughborough Ladies 2016-present helping them to win RFU Intermediate Plate. He has been the forwards Coach with Leicestershire CB Women for 2017.

Steve comments

I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to work with this group of women again. Their spirit and drive made last season’s campaign the success that it was.