RUGBY UNION: WITH pre-season already in full swing, former Birmingham and Solihull Bees hooker Stewart Pearl has joined as forwards’ coach for the 2017/18 campaign.
Pearl, who made who made 54 appearances for the Bees over three seasons, has joined the backroom set up at Portway having spent the previous four seasons as player coach then forwards coach at Broadstreet.
He helped the Coventry-based side achieve promotion to NLN2 last season.
A highly experienced and regarded front row operator, Pearl’s playing career additionally included spells at Worcester Warriors, Plymouth Albion, Coventry, Cambridge, Rugby Lions and Stourbridge.
Former Nuneaton, Rugby Lions, Coventry and Warwickshire Senior County player Steve Clarke has also been named as Hornets (second team) coach ahead of the start of pre-season.
His coaching CV to date includes spells with Earlsdon, Old Wheatleyans and most latterly Rugby Lions.
The appointment of Stewart Pearl and Steve Clarke completes the Bees’ backroom staff line up for the forthcoming season – led by head of rugby Pete Glackin and Hornets manager Tom Greevy.
Chairman Dai Phillips said: “We have put together an outstanding backroom team to support our senior squad for the forthcoming season.
“Pete Glackin has put in tremendous work and effort to get both his squad and backroom staff in place ready for the start of pre-season.
“It gives the club the best possible platform as we begin the countdown to the start of our 2017/18 Midlands Premier League campaign.”
Bees’ first Midland League fixture takes place on Sunday (September 2) at Portway against Scunthorpe.
