RAF Rugby Union Head Coach Joins Saracens

The head coach of the Royal Air Force women’s rugby team has been appointed as assistant coach at Tyrell’s Premiership champions Saracens

Wilding, who led the RAF to their first Inter Services title in April, also serves as the head of the UK Armed Forces women's team.

He will be working closely with the Tyrell Premier 15s and the Development League.

In his playing career, Wilding did feature for the men's Saracens side.

When required, Wilding's role with the Air Force will take precedence over his new job at Saracens.

Speaking to Forces News' Cath Brazier ahead of the announcement, Wilding expressed excitement over the new role.

He said: "I'm really excited to work with some really quality players as well as some quality UKAF players.

"There's Ellie Gatland from the Army as a member of Saracens as well as Chrissy Siczowa and Kat Robinson.

"Hopefully, there will be plenty more to come."

Wilding's dual role with the RAF and UKAF has seen him appear at the Saracens matches regularly to check on the military talent.

Those appearances, alongside his achievements as a coach, saw the Premiership side's head coach Alex Austerberry gain interest in his services.

Wilding said: "I've known Alex from my time as RAF Development Officer. We did a lot of work together when he was working at the RFU.

"I've gotten to know him quite well. I'm excited to actually go work coaching with him for a sustained period."

A major part in the RAF's Inter Services victory was the player's work with civilian sides, which is something the team's head coach has pushed for.

"Credit to them. They took it up and we have girls at Wasps and playing in the Premiership regularly.

"We are doing that wherever we can because that can only improve them. I think this year's Inter Services results showed that. 

"That rugby sense, attitude and fitness played a huge role in what we were able to do."

The new Saracens man also wanted to praise his new team's status within the women's game as well as the state of the sport itself.

He said: "They still have jobs and everything, but the fitness level and skillset that the players have is a credit to them.

"I don't think they get enough credit for that and the women's game in general does not get enough credit.

"Apart from the England players, the rest of them are amateurs."