Paul Sumner believes that he has left Bournville in good shape and in good hands as he steps down as Director of Rugby after two seasons in charge at Avery Fields.
As a player Sumner helped Bourns win promotion to the National Leagues for the first time in 2020 and three cameo appearances for the Blues this season helped them to win the Counties Three Midlands West (South) title in their first season in the RFU leagues.
He took charge of playing affairs from Mitch McGahan two years ago and has only stepped down because of increased work and family commitments.
Although relegation back to Regional One Midlands was a disappointing way for Sumner to end his long association with the club he has worked hard with his successor, Alex Grove, and Managing Director Phil Maynard to ensure that he leaves Bourns well placed to flourish next season.
“I wanted to make sure that I left the squad in a strong position and I have been working with Grovesy and Mayners to make this happen,” Sumner said.
“The fact 90 per cent of players are already signed up and staying is massive. These are seasoned National League players now who can really attack the league below.
“Grovesy is a great coach and bloke. Players are staying because they believe in what we have been building but also a large part is because of him, and the coaching. Not forgetting Mr Maynard who has played a big part in this over the last six weeks.”
Sumner did bow out on a high with victory at Devonport Services on Saturday – their first away win in 12 months – on what proved to be an emotional day for him.
“It was more emotional than I expected,” he said. “Sending the boys out to the pitch for the final time was a tough moment.
“The game delivered though with a brilliant win and James Weaver hitting the final conversion. Given I played so many times with him, it was a perfect end to both my chapter and his which was great to share.”
The decision to step down was a difficult one for Sumner as Bournville has been a major part of his life for more than a decade.
“At the start of the year I got a promotion in my day job which requires me to travel abroad. With that and the rugby I was never at home. With a young family something had to give and the rugby was the one,” he said.
“When I moved to Birmingham and first turned up to the club I knew nobody. The club quickly became a massive part of my life and has continued to be. I’ve made friends for life across my time here and even met my other half Seana here.
“I’m going to miss the Tuesday and Thursday changing room/coaches’ corner chat. No matter how stressful life has been outside of rugby, the place and characters have had an uncanny knack of putting a smile on my face.”
Sumner will take some treasured memories with him into retirement including the memorable last-gasp victory over Taunton at Avery Fields earlier this year.
“As a player the highlights would have to be the two promotions that took us up to be a National League Club for the first time alongside winning the North Midlands Cup,” he said.
“As DoR I think the two games that stand out were beating Stourbridge away 31-30 in a game that really signalled our arrival as the best team in the North Midlands outside of Moseley.
“Then the madness of the Taunton game this year, a crossfield kick try from our own line to win it is something that I will never forget.”
