Luton Rugby Club have announced the appointment of first team captain Matt Allen as head coach for next season, while director of rugby Denis Ormesher is set to step down due to work commitments.
Matt Allen in action for Luton
With the current campaign set to run until April 24 the former Northampton Saints, Cardiff & Bedford Blues player, who is also the club's backs coach, has been handed the role as the Luton aim to remain at the highest sustainable level, whilst playing entertaining rugby attractive to players and spectators alike.
Allen has led the side with distinction for the last two years and will continue playing. Ian Minto will continue as skills coach, and both will be supported by other coaches yet to be named.
Luton have also said that the recruitment and development of quality, ambitious, local players with the ability to fullfill their potential at National League level in a competitive but friendly and social environment, will be a key priority during the coming months.
Matt Allen, said: “I am very proud to be asked to take on the head coach role at Luton. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and have been very impressed with the skill and ability of the players.
"I hope that I can help to further nurture these, and any future players, so as to help the club to become a sustainable force within the National Leagues. I am looking forward to next season, and to the future with Luton, and to working with Denis on our remaining league fixtures and the plans for the future.”
After two successful years as director of rugby and, due to his business commitments, Ormesher will be standing down at the end of the season. During his time in the post he has overseen a major overhaul of the club’s senior playing and coaching structure that should provide a sound foundation for future playing developments. He will remain available in an advisory capacity.
He said: “The last two years have been enjoyable and satisfying, but the demands of my “day job”, with frequent trips abroad, mean it will become increasingly difficult to juggle my work commitments and the Luton director of rugby role.
"I will however be fully committed to Luton until the end of the season, working with Matt and the club management team to put in place the plans for next season. Our focus now is preparing for our remaining league games, where we have a string of tough games through to the end of April, and for the East Midlands Cup Final.
"I would like to thank the players for their contributions over the past two seasons; they have been a great group to work with, and to thank the whole Luton club for the support they have given me.”
Club chairman, Keith Butten said: "Denis has brought a huge amount to the club and will always be very welcome at Newlands Road.
"His commitment to support the future coaching team says most about him. In Matt, we have a player coach that has played at the highest level, is respected by everyone and has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the club in his two years with us. The club is determined to develop both the game and local players, and in Matt we will have a head coach with experience to do just that."