Bournville have appointed Tom Manise as the club’s new Forwards Coach.
Manise will arrive at Avery Fields from Silhillians where he was Director of Rugby, guiding them to their highest-ever league position in Regional One Midlands two years ago after three consecutive promotions.
Manise spent 30 years with Silhillians, initially as a player in their mini and junior section, before captaining the club then moving into coaching roles including Forwards Coach and Head Coach.
Manise replaces CJ Osazuwa, who left Bournville last week, as a key member of the club’s management team on the return to National Two South.
“It was important for us that whoever came into the environment could build on the positive culture and strong buy-in that has been created over the last 12 months,” said Head Coach Alex Grove.
“Tom arrives with an impressive professional background and a proven reputation for developing people and driving high standards.
“He is an ambitious coach who is eager to progress and we look forward to seeing the impact he will have both on and off the field.”
Manise, who is in the second year of his Advanced Coaching Award, spent 13 years in the RAF which included tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with the RAF Regiment. While in the RAF he played for the RAF Saxons, the force’s Second XV and the RAF’s rugby league team.
His representative honours include Midlands Colleges and county rugby for Warwickshire.
“I’m really excited to be joining Bournville,” Manise said. “The ambition at the club is clear and I’m looking forwards to the next stage of Bournville’s journey and helping drive further success on and off the field.
“Joining Bournville is a challenge I’m hugely excited about. I’m proud of what has been achieved over the last six years at Silhillians and I’m looking forward to bringing that experience into a strong rugby environment where we can continue to improve, compete and achieve ambitious goals together.”
