NEW attack coach Brad Davies can ignite Cinderford’s backline – along with younger brother Mark, believes rugby director Andy Deacon.
Player/coach Brad Davies will be charged with adding a new dimension to the Foresters’ attack in the coming campaign. Former Gloucester and Longlevens stalwart Deacon believes the Davies brothers can easily dovetail in the same Cinderford backline, with 24-year-old Mark a Foresters regular in the last two years. While both men are predominantly fly-halves, older sibling Brad – now 30 – is equally comfortable at inside centre or full-back. And Deacon expects it to be a family affair at Dockham Road in the new season.
Former St Peter’s High School pupil Brad Davies made 16 Gloucester appearances between 2003 and 2007, before stints with Plymouth Albion, Bedford Blues and Moseley. Backing Brad Davies to shine in his dual role, Deacon explained: “I think he’ll add a new dimension to our attack, not just in his coaching, but also on the field too. “Mark has been developing well with us over the last two seasons, and perhaps at times the two will be competing – but I see more potential for them to play alongside each other in the backline. “With Brad being able to play ten, 12 and 15, that’s a lot of versatility and that should stand us in good stead.
“So there’s a great option for us to have effectively two fly-halves on the field at the same time, and that’s the kind of approach that opens up more options across the team. “Hopefully we’ll be aiming to play an all-action style in the new season, I’ve sat down and spoken with Brad about that, and he has the same outlook and wants the same approach as me, so that’s great. “His tactical approach should suit coaching perfectly, and it’s a great time for him to take up that challenge.”
Davies senior joins a coaching team comprising Deacon, Lee Fortey, Isaiah Young and Paul Morris, while Gloucester’s defence coach Paul Moriarty will continue to act as a consultant. Deacon believes Brad Davies still has plenty of playing years ahead of him, but thinks this is the perfect time for him to step into coaching. Entering his ninth campaign at Cinderford, Deacon admitted he hopes Davies can carve out a long-term niche at the Beavis Memorial Ground. Deacon added: “He’s only 30 but he sees coaching as his long-term future, and so hopefully this is a good place for him to start. “Cinderford traditionally like to appoint from within, so hopefully he can build a long coaching stint and become a real integral part of the club. “When I arrived at the club it was only initially to help ease the transition after Pete Glanville left, and to hold up a few scrums – and this will be my ninth season. “So I think that indicates how this club wants to see coaches develop, and aims to help them do exactly that.”