NEWBURY BLUES are set to make an ambitious swoop for former Ireland international Kevin Maggs to become their new backs coach.
Blues need a new number two to replace the departed Jim Farndon, who has accepted a head coach role at Dings Crusaders, and coach Ben Sturnham hopes that he can tempt 35-year-old Irishman Maggs to accept the vacant role at Monks Lane.
Maggs’ second spell at Sturnham’s old club Bristol came to an end in January and he moved to Earth Titans for the latter part of last season, ironically scoring his first try for the Rotherham club with victory at Newbury in April.
Sturnham would not reveal the identity of the man he has lined up to replace Farndon, but he did add that “he could be sensational for us.”
With 70 Ireland test caps under his belt, including appearances at the 1999 and 2003 World Cups, the addition of former Ulster and Bath centre Maggs would certainly be a big coup for Newbury Blues.
While that potential signing could still be a couple of weeks off, Sturnham has put the finishing touches to his front five with the addition of Launceston lock Steve Pape.
Pape, a 26-year-old second row, who has represented England Counties alongside former Blues favourite Mal Roberts, is a signature that Sturnham is delighted to pull off.
“He will be a tremendous addition in the second row,” said Sturnham. “Steve is a genuine lock at 6 ft 5 inches and 18 stone, he will give us a physical presence and power in the front five.”
Sturnham is hoping to complete two more signings with the arrivals of Army centre Mat Gittens and Bristol Academy player Nick Scott.