Stonehouse swaps England for Hitchin RFC

Hitchin Rugby Club first team assistant Andy Stonehouse

Michael Edwards

Thursday, May 29, 2014

3:15 PM

Andy Stonehouse is stepping down from his role as head coach of the England Deaf rugby team after more than 10 years service to rejoin his old club.

The 46-year-old from Knebworth joined the EDRU set-up in November 2004 as an assistant development officer – where he arranged the first ever taster rugby session for deaf children at Hitchin RFC – before taking the reins of the team in July 2007.

But despite experiencing the highs of wins against Wales, the World Deaf Rugby Champions, Scotland and Estonia as well as retaining the Kolkata Cup twice, Stonehouse is stepping down because he feels can’t give EDRU his undivided attention.

“I got engaged to my fiancée Jenny on Valentine’s Day and we are planning getting married next summer, and we are house hunting for a family home,” he explained.

“With this planning, I am unable to commit myself 110 per cent to EDRU. I felt it was the right time for me to step down.”

Still, he leaves the state of England’s deaf rugby in a very healthy state, although there are still a few hurdles in the way of progress.

“In 2010 the RFU recognised EDRU and allowed it to be integrated along with other national squads and we were officially called England Deaf. I was delighted with this but the process was slow due to restructures, which set us back,” said Stonehouse.

“If we were fully integrated we would be treated the same as other national teams, such as Elite, Saxons, U18, with the expenses covered and sponsorship by O2 but we were excluded from that.”

He added: “I wish RFU could have done more to allow us to play rugby on a tour such as South Africa, Australia or New Zealand.”

And while he is leaving his role as head coach, he hopes to stay on in another capacity to help EDRU jump those hurdles.

“There will be an AGM this summer at Twickenham and I am hoping to be selected as a trustee of the board,” he said.

“I would like to stay and help EDRU to the next level. There are some plans coming up for South Africa Deaf Boks coming to UK this November and potential deaf rugby world championship in 2016.”

For now though, his focus switches to local rugby. Stonehouse has been appointed as Hitchin RFC’s assistant coach for the first team, a role he officially takes up on July 8.

Naturally, he is delighted to be back with his old club.

“I have been involved with the club since 1997/98 as second and first team manager and won winning the treble in 04/05…so it is great to be back to my club and to help the 1st XV as assistant,” he told the Comet.

“I can use my experience from England Deaf to help the team move forward with the right attitude and commitments. Hitchin RFC is the best child friendly and family friendly club in Hertfordshire with numbers of players growing each year.”

So, what are his plans for Hitchin RFC and its players?

“Recruiting new players, moral, fitness and participations and commitments [are key]. I am also hoping to be in top four in the league. Promotion would be nice along with the new clubhouse, which is currently in the pipeline.”

Stonehouse’s first session, on Tuesday July 8, is the start of pre-season training and anyone is welcome to attend. Tuesday and Thursday sessions starts at 7pm.

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Stonehouse swaps England for Hitchin RFC