RGS Worcester Appoints Chris Pennell as Head of Rugby
RGS Worcester is delighted to announce the appointment of former Worcester Warriors Captain and England international Mr Chris Pennell as the School’s new Head of Rugby.
Chris brings extensive experience from professional Rugby, alongside a strong reputation for mentoring, leadership and community engagement.
Chris enjoyed a professional Rugby career spanning more than 16 years with Worcester Warriors, where he captained the Club and became known for his professionalism and leadership both on and off the field. His debut for the full England team was against New Zealand in 2014 and he later played for Dallas Jackals in Major League Rugby in the United States.
Alongside his Rugby career, Chris has remained heavily involved in youth sport and community development. He is a Trustee of the Worcester Warriors Foundation, founder of Chris Pennell’s Diabetes Rugby Academy and an ambassador for both JDRF UK and Diabetes UK.
As Head of Rugby at RGS Worcester, Chris will lead Rugby across the School, supporting pupils of all abilities and helping to strengthen the School’s long-standing sporting tradition.
Headmaster John Pitt said: “I am delighted that Chris has agreed to join us in September and bring his expertise to build upon the excellent work completed by Rob Lewis and the expert Rugby coaching team at RGS. Chris has played Rugby at the highest level but has that unusual characteristic of understanding how sport must be accessible to all and how it can help young people build confidence, resilience and character. He is a superb ‘fit’ for the role at RGS and we look forward to supporting him as he takes our Rugby programme forward”.
Chris Pennell said: “I am very much looking forward to joining RGS Worcester to lead the Rugby programme. Seeing the ambition and talent coming through is hugely exciting and gives me great confidence in what the coming years could bring.
I look forward to bringing the passion and experience I have gained from the professional game, while giving every pupil the opportunity to enjoy their rugby, improve their skills and learn the invaluable lessons the sport can teach.
RGS Worcester rugby is already in a very healthy position thanks to the outstanding work of Mr Lewis, Mr Gemmell, Mr Lutui, Mr Fowles and the wider team. They have created strong foundations to build upon and I am excited to get to know the pupils and parents across The RGS Worcester Family of Schools as we head into the Michaelmas term.”
We are delighted to welcome Chris to The RGS Worcester Family of Schools and look forward to the experience, energy and leadership he will bring to Rugby at RGS. His appointment marks an exciting next step for the programme and we look forward to seeing pupils across the School benefit from his knowledge, encouragement and passion for Rugby in the years ahead.
