Dave Penberthy to head new coaching set up at Redruth

Penberthy will be in charge of first team affairs at the Rec next season

Redruth have announced a new coaching set-up that will see director of rugby Dave Penberthy take overall control of the first team.

The move follows Nigel Hambly's departure as head coach at the end of last term after eight years in charge.

Penberthy will be aided in the role by a four-strong coaching staff, which sees Mark Bright appointed player coach and Craig Bonds attack coach.

Tony Cook will take charge of defence, while Terry Prior is front-row coach.

The club said the new format of the coaching team will share key responsibilities, while helping players develop their skills in the key areas.

Penberthy's previous duties at the club were based around general administration and dealing with matters off the field, allowing him little time to get involved with the playing side.

He told BBC Radio Cornwall: "At the end of last season we appointed a general manager, Gerry Reilly, who has come in and taken on a lot of those administrative duties, allowing me to focus totally on rugby.

"It's something I'd wanted to do over the last two-three years to help Nigel but it hadn't been possible.

"But now these changes allow me to do that."

Redruth finished the 2009/10 season 11th in National One, taking 69 points from 30 games, a result Penberthy is hoping the side will be able to improve on next term.

He said: "I'm well aware of the challenges that we face this season but I'm sure other clubs in the league are in the same position as us.

"Hopefully we can maintain our status in the top 40 clubs in the country."