Army Rugby Union announce Gerhard Wessels as new senior men's head coach

Staff Sergeant Gerhard Wessels will be the man to lead the senior men's Army rugby union team into a new generation after his appointment as head coach.

He takes over from Lieutenant Colonel Tim Osman who left the role after four years in charge which included a dramatic 2024 Army v Navy triumph and dominance in the Le Crunch rivalry with the French.

SSgt Wessels has a wealth of experience within Army rugby union, having played for the Royal Engineers, Army senior team, Army sevens team and the UK Armed Forces.

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He played for the Army for more than decade, winning 27 caps and was skipper for an unbeaten Army Sevens side at the 2012 International Defence Rugby Competition Sevens Championship in Denver, Colorado.

Speaking to Army Rugby Union media, SSgt Wessels said: "I'm incredibly proud to be appointed Head Coach of the British Army Rugby Team.

"It's an honour to have the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of the programme. My aim is to build a team culture founded on discipline, connection and high performance, creating an environment where players can thrive, develop and represent the Army with pride.

"I'm looking forward to working with everyone involved and embracing the challenge ahead."