Chris Brannigan has been appointed as the Isle of Man’s new rugby development officer.
He will be working within the environs of Manx Sport and Recreation and will be an integral part of the MSR development team but with his primary focus on the promotion and development of rugby within the island.
Brannigan, who is new to the island, took up his post at the end of June and he thanked everyone in Manx rugby for making him feel so welcome.
He said: ‘Manx rugby is most definitely alive and kicking.
‘The job now is to drive it a level or two, attract new faces to the sport and put smiles on those faces.
‘With the volunteers I’ve already met, the sport has a bright future and I’d like to thank everyone for making my first six weeks easy and enjoyable.’
Brannigan is the holder of a BA (Hons) degree in Sports Studies and has previously held posts as a coach developer and educator with the English RFU and as a head coach at several universities, colleges, schools and clubs in Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Cumbria.
He brings a wealth of experience both as a coach and developer of rugby, particularly with the youth age group.
Chris has quickly taken to his role in the island and is already a popular member of the MSR team.
He is already developing substantial links with the local rugby clubs and schools and has set up programs for the running of casual rugby events and summer touch rugby sessions with a focus on bringing rugby to the wider community.
Numbers already show that newcomers to the summer touch sessions are transitioning in to local clubs.
Chris is looking to help rugby become more accessible to all in the island and remove any potential barriers there may prohibit people from getting involved.
Increased fixtures and participation are two of the main goals.
Chris is a welcome recruit to Isle of Man rugby and is a substantial asset in the Manx Rugby Football Union’s continued promotion and development of the sport throughout the community.
