John Nicholl named First XV head coach at Ballymena RFC

JOHN Nicholl is the newly appointed new Head Coach of the First XV at Ballymena RFC!

Nicholl, Director of Rugby at Ballymena Academy, is delighted to be back at Eaton Park.

And he told Guardian Sport that one of the main factors he wants to develop at the club is the ethos and culture between the squads.

“I want to introduce a little more accountability from everyone involved, and create as much competition as possible to thrive and develop as players,” outlined Nicholl.

Establish these factors

“Once we establish those factors I think the players will really kick on so hears hoping for a successful campaign for all teams at Ballymena RFC.”

Nicholl said it is good to be back in club rugby.

He said he thoroughly enjoyed his break from it to give himself a chance to settle into his new role at Academy.

In the school environment he said it had been a fantastic couple of years with Medallion and 1XV squads reaching the Shield and Schools’ Cup finals respectively this year.

Different coaches

“It’s been great to work with different coaches and staff across the teams at Ballymena Academy and it has provided me with the opportunity to develop my own skill set and develop my organisational side of Rugby working in such a big rugby programme,” he told Guardian Sport.

“I think this development has prepared me to get back into the club game and to try and help Ballymena Rugby Club in developing young local players from the Youth and School set up.”

Nicholl said when BRFC Director of Rugby, Peter McKenzie asked hjm to get back involved he was delighted to sit down with Chairman Jamie Smith and him to hear the fantastic developments off the pitch with the addition of new senior changing rooms to go along with the quality gym and pitch facilities on offer at the club.

“It’s great to be able to transfer a few of the Ballymena Academy coaches into the club set up with Ulster duo Andrew Warwick and Alan O’Connor offering help with scrummaging and lineout clinics for the senior squad for the upcoming season,” pointed out Nicholl.

“Both coaches have been an amazing addition to the school set up and I have no doubt they will thrive at Ballymena RFC as both are past players.”

Meanwhile, there has been a number of other appoinments at BRFC.

Mike Stevenson comes in as head forwards coach and offers a phenomenal skill set as a technical coach and pastoral support.

“He is a guy who is just a joy to be around and a coach who will work tirelessly to put the boys first in their development,” summed up Head Coach Nicholl.

Glenn Bailie comes in as backs assistant - “Again a guy who is currently helping coach Ballymena Academy 2XV and has had success already this season as a coach at school winning the 2XV Shield earlier in March,” outined Nicholl.

“Glenn has been at the club for over 10 years and holds massive value for those players around him. His infectious personality will provide quality support for the squad and especially the younger guys coming through from the Youth and Schools’ section.”

Phil Campbell returns to provide support with Strength & Conditioning.

“A very professional young man who is developing into one of the best S&C coaches in the province working with Ulster Rugby School squads and Ballymena Academy,” said Nicholl, adding he is so excited for the season ahead as are the rest of the coaches.

“I would all like to thank the hard work put in from the previous coaches, Andy Hughes, Daryl O’Kane and Ian Humphries. These guys have worked very hard throughout the previous season and have added quality and development into the current senior teams 1XV - 3XV”.