RUGBY UNION: All change at Quins (From Oxford Mail)

RUGBY UNION: All change at Quins

10:00am Friday 23rd November 2012 in Sport By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

Former Tongan international Josh Taumalolo is Oxford Harlequins’ new head coach

FORMER Tongan international Josh Taumalolo has become Oxford Harlequins’ new head coach as part of sweeping changes at the National 3 South West strugglers.

Taumalolo, who played for Bristol, Harlequins and Sale, teams up with fellow Tongan Tevita Vaikona, who stays as director of rugby.

Tony Edney has returned to coach the second team, Jamie Lakin will concentrate on the academy, while John Finch has taken over from Ron Macdonald as chairman.

The changes come as Quins, who face a crunch home clash with Amersham & Chiltern tomorrow, have won just one of their first 11 matches.

“It was just chaos before,” said returning team manager Steve Chadbone of Quins’ off-the-field set-up.

“We are trying to get some sort of continuity going.

“It had to change because it was not working, so we have had a bit of a shake-up.

“The main problem was the lack of links between the commerical guys and the rugby side.”

Locks Luke Brown and Will Clayton plus wing Isaai Fisilan return to Quins’ squad.

Chadbone, who revealed more players would be joining, said: “Our season starts now against Amersham & Chiltern. Our aim is to avoid relegation.

“Josh has come in with a fresh approach.

“We need a few more old heads, who know how to win.”

Chinnor could give a debut to new signing, back-three player Adrian Hales, when they host Southend in National 2 South.

“He has been playing for Aberdeen in the Scottish Championship, but has moved down here for work,” said head coach Jason Bowers.

Centres Sam Stoop and Matt Goode, plus prop Joe Winpenny return.

Richard Briggs replaces Martin Nutt (hamstring) on the wing as leaders Henley Hawks travel to Redruth.

Loose-head prop Dave Manning comes onto a bench.

Fly half James Elwood, scrum half Alex Carlsson, prop Alan Richens and lock Charlie Bennett come into the Witney side to host Bletchley in South West 1 East.

TOMORROW'S TEAMS

Chinnor (v Southend, home): from Colver, Gray, Hales, Fielding, Powell, Stoop, Goode, Mountford, Corpe, Cathcart, Hopwood, Jones, Winpenny (capt), Pickett, Holyland, Whelan, Berry, Stock, Mowbray, Smith, Swayer, Hastings, Harrison, Gilbert.

Henley Hawks (v Redruth, away): Allen (capt), Briggs, James, Wells, Andre, Comben, Shaylor, Maddocks, Dwyer, Hadfield, Winterbottom, Clements, Payne, Newman, Stapley. Reps: Milford-Scott, Penny, Woodward, Manning, Carter.
 

Oxford Harlequins (v Amersham & Chiltern, home): from Saunders, Edney, Kalemani, Brown, Clayton, Sammut, Rees, Baker, Maspero, Hilton, Halatokoua, Green, H Whittington, Todd, Brook, Fisilan, Crockford, Farahani, Tevita.
 

Witney (v Bletchley, home): Monks, Strutt, Murton, H Lamb, L Collins, J Elwood, Carlsson, Fuller, Harris, Richens, Rowles, Bennett, Muller, C Campbell, J Hicks (capt). Reps: D Godfrey, Haire, Stratford.