LAUNCESTON Rugby Club have appointed two of last year’s playing squad to coaching roles ahead of the new season.

Centre Cam Fogden decided to retire towards the end of last season due to a series of concussions, while former Plymouth Albion forward Torin Clarke is awaiting a shoulder operation which has ruled him out for the forseeable future.

However, keen to keep them involved, they will look after the backs and forwards respectively as skills coaches.

Fogden said: “It’s about supporting the boys in any way possible, particularly on these Tuesdays and Thursdays and on game day as well.

“Torin has got his role with the forwards, but mine’s more backs focused and helping in any way I can. Having played up until recently, hopefully I’ve got good knowledge about the boys and what they can improve on, and I’ll also be learning as I go really as it’s all fairly new.

“But having stopped playing it’s a bit of a case of what I’m going to do next, but to have the opportunity to come down here and be around the boys and who you were mates with last year is really exciting.

“It’s a new set-up this year, but there’s a few new teams in the league this year, so I’m excited to see how we do.”

Clarke shared a similar view, adding: “Across the 15 players and the whole squad it comes down to tiny details on the pitch, whether that be handling, attack or defence, just minor details across things whatever that might be.

“I’m looking forward to learning about the players as being a player last year you tend to focus on yourself, but being a skills coach you see it from a different view, so it’s about seeing what the boys have got and trying to improve them.”