Ponteland RFC Announce New Senior Men’s 1st Team Coach

Ponteland RFC is thrilled to announce the appointment of Nick Townshend as the new Head Coach of the Senior Men’s 1st Team.

Nick, a seasoned leader with 23-years in the Royal Air Force (RAF), brings a wealth of experience in leadership, training, and team development to the club.

Nick’s distinguished RAF career saw him holding senior operational and training roles, including Air and Space Operations Manager. In these roles, he led high-performing teams in both the UK and overseas, often in high-pressure, fast-paced, and multinational environments. His work demanded adaptability, accountability, and clear communication - qualities that are essential in the world of rugby coaching.

A significant part of Nick’s recent RAF role involved designing and delivering training programs to build resilience, cohesion, and capability in Missile Warning and Space Operations. His leadership approach is values-driven, shaped by a military ethos that emphasises discipline, continual improvement, and supporting others to reach their full potential.