The club committee is pleased to announce that Ben Northfield has agreed to take on the role of Head Coach, taking the reigns from Andy Yarrow, for the 2025-26 season.

Andy sadly leaves us for a new role that is closer to home and fits around his other commitments. His record being an impressive one with an Essex Senior Cup win and a league and cup double this season. It is also no exaggeration to say that the clubs recent re-build could not have happened without him and we will be forever thankful for his commitment over the last 2 and half seasons. I’m sure everyone at DRUFC will join us in wishing him good luck for the future and we hope to still see him over the club next season (Andy already promising to pull on a Desperados shirt when the call comes!)

Ben steps up from his previous role as assistant coach and no doubt will carry on the momentum and progress already made last season. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and is keen to work closely with the colts coming up to senior rugby next year. Having recently been accepted back into the RFU league structure next season, preparations for life in Essex Counties 2 will start very soon! We wish him the best of luck!

It is also with regret that we announce the departure of our trusted physio Jemma Pemberton, again who has taken on a role better suited for her and her other commitments. We would like to again thank her for hard work, expertise and making sure our broken players are back on the pitch as soon as possible!

Exciting times lie ahead for our little club in the back-end of East London and anyone wishing to get involved will be very welcome (as always!)

Up The D’s!