RAF rugby union's coaching changes: Men's head coach Justin Coleman leaves role

The RAF senior men's head coach Flight Sergeant Justin Coleman has left his role with the team, it has been announced.

His departure is one of the nine changes in the backroom staff at RAF Rugby Union with Director of Rugby, Wing Commander Matt Williams, and defence coach, Warrant Officer Paul Shanks, amongst them.

FS Coleman was promoted to the role of head coach in 2020 after a successful stint as forwards coach during the RAF's 2018 Inter Services triumph.

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During his time as head coach, he led the RAF through the sport's cancellation during the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent return to competitive action.

From there, three Inter Services campaigns followed with the Air Force struggling to repeat past successes against very strong British Army and Royal Navy teams.

Speaking to RAF Rugby Union, FS Coleman said: "After giving so much to the squad over a number of years and the personal sacrifice that comes with it, it's time for a few changes and some fresh ideas.

"It's always a tough challenge against the other two services and trying to just compete at their level is tricky at times."

He now steps into a new role as Assistant Director of Representative Rugby within the RAF.

Full list of RAF Rugby Union departures:

• Flight Sergeant Justin Coleman (Head Coach)
• Wing Commander Matt Williams (Director of Rugby)
• Warrant Officer Paul Shanks (Defence Coach)
• Sergeant AJ Morgan (Backs Coach)
• Warrant Officer Ben Moore (Team Manager)
• Flying Officer Aidan Duffy (Team Manager)
• Sergeant Ryan Lee (Kit Manager)
• Matt Woodward (Assistant Kit Manager)
• Flight Sergeant Jason Roberts (Analyst)