Exciting times for sport at Bryanston

As well as the start of the re-development of the sports centre, Bryanston has announced a number of new appointments to the Sports Department. We are delighted to welcome Alex Chapman, Scott Hobson, Beth Rodford, Matt Boote and Mel Lancaster. Find out more about the new members of the Bryanston team below.

Alex Chapman joins Bryanston as a teacher of A level sports science and Head of the Performance Sport Programme. Alex brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in strength and conditioning, physiology and training methods and has worked with numerous prestigious organisations including: Head of Physical Preparation for the English Institute of Sport working specifically with Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball; Head of Strength and Conditioning for Team Bath at Bath University (this included working with England Netball, England Badminton and the IHPC Tennis Academy at bath amongst others); and has delivered sessions for the Elite Coaching Apprentice Scheme for the Premier League. Alex has also worked in Premier League football as a rehabilitation and conditioning coach.

Scott Hobson takes up the role of full-time 1st XV coach. Scott played professional rugby for Bath and previously for the Cornish Pirates. After a severe shoulder injury in 2010 he retired from the game and turned to coaching. Scott has worked with the Bath DPP (Developing Player Pathway), where he is one of the lead coaches and continues to be actively involved with Bath Academy.

Beth Rodford is Bryanston’s Rowing Resident and also joins the new Performance Sports team. Beth is a double Olympian and for much of her career Beth has rowed rowed in the Women's Quad and the Women's Eight. She was first selected to represent Great Britain in 1999, winning a bronze medal in the coxless four at the World Rowing Junior Championships. Over her rowing career, Beth has won a number of accolades, including: as a junior becoming the holder of British indoor records over 2000 metres at J13, J14, J15; winning a gold medal at the U23 regatta in 2004; and becoming World Champion in 2010.

Matt Boote is one of Bryanston’s new Sports Residents. Matt plays national league hockey at Bath Buccaneers and has previously played for Havant HC and also represented Bath University 1st XI. He reached the final trials for England at U16 and U18 level and represented the south of England. He also has a degree in Sports Performance and is looking to put this into practice at Bryanston.

Mel Lancaster is the second of Bryanston’s new Sports Residents. Mel plays for Saracens Women rugby team and is a highly-rated prospect in women’s rugby sevens. She has a degree in Sports Psychology and she is keen to use this in her coaching roles both at Bryanston and with the RFU.

In addition, Paul Dunne has taken up the post of Master i/c Rugby and has already introduced some new initiatives, including a rugby masterclass for pupils and parents focusing on coaching techniques and injury prevention. Paul has a wealth of coaching expertise and experience having previously coached at Bournemouth RFC, Dorchester & London Irish. He is heavily involved in coaching with Dorset & Wilts and is also a lead coach on the Bath DPP.