We are delighted to introduce to you the new Head Coach at Cockermouth RUFC, Ross Mills. Ross joins the Wasps after a successful playing career with teams such as Caldy & West Hartlepool and a worldwide coaching cv. Ross will bring experiences from coaching in the Army, Holland, Malaysia, Dubai and most recently Workington.

The players look forward to developing their game understanding and playing ability under Ross and have turned out in great number for his opening two sessions. The clubs management committee look forward to working with Ross and supporting his vision for the club going forward.

Over to Ross to answer a few questions and let us get to know him a little more.

How have the 1st 2 sessions gone with the Wasps:

Really well I believe, its always hard coming into a successful club that have had the same coach for a number of years, but the lads have been very focused, upbeat, and willing to listen. Were building up nice and easy but the intensity is going to get harder each week as we look to build into the 1st game of the new season.

What are you most excited about in your first season at the club:

Working with and becoming part of a club that has clear goals in mind, where the focus is on work hard, play hard, party hard. I am excited and determined to help the club achieve its goals both on and off the field.

What is your coaching style and how have the lads responded:

I like my teams to be fit, structured with the ability to transition quickly. I use the 3ds as my pillar for coaching and focus on Distribution, Defence, and Discipline. I like my teams to play open running rugby where conditions allow. I think the lads have responded well so far, certainly numbers have been good, so were moving in the right direction.

What are your aspirations for the club and your first impressions so far:

The club, players and leadership group have all been very welcoming, and the club is fully aligned with where and what it wants to achieve. I want us to be successful and win rugby games, we know where we want to be, and what we need to do in order to achieve that, my role is to help the club achieve their goals. Obviously we want to win the league, but there are some very good teams in this league who will want to do the same, we just have to ensure that we are better mentally and physically than the other teams.

Are you looking forward to your first pint in the club, and what's your favourite pint:

Very much looking forward to my first pint in the club and I would have to say that my favourite pint would have to be Wainwrights!!!!

What advice would you give to any new player thinking about joining the club:

I would emphatically tell them to get down and give us a try. The club is very welcoming has excellent facilities both on and off the field, an excellent coaching team. The players are very welcoming, know what they want, and more importantly like to have lots of fun along the way. The club is buzzing and is a great place to be, if you want to learn the game, or are experienced and what to play a decent level of rugby whilst enjoying it at the same time!!!!

Everyone at Cockermouth RUFC wishes Ross, his coaching team and senior players at first and second team are successful 2022-23 season.