The end of the 2023/24 season sees the end of an era as Frome RFC announce a change in the Backroom Staff with Head Coach, Dom Jones, Assistant Coach JJ Gagiano and Sports Therapist, Alex Joiner stepping down from their roles with the Club.
We spoke with Frome RFC Director of Rugby, Garrie Webster on the announcement.
“I'm sure I speak for all the Players, Captains, Team Managers and the Club Committee when I say a massive thank you to Dom, JJ and Alex for all they have done over the seasons past.
Alex brought a wealth of knowledge, calmness, charm and humour to the job as the Clubs Lead Sports Therapist. Not only did he treat the Senior Players when injured, as well as creating rehabilitation plans when out for longer, but he was always available to treat the Junior players when asked and discuss injuries with parents.
We were extremely lucky to have JJ join us all those seasons ago, bringing an imposing presence you would expect from an ex International Rugby Player. He expected high standards and brought out the best in the players with his experience and knowledge of the game and on top of all that, a bloody top bloke.
Dom is a Frome lad, a real Clubman whose enthusiasm for the game, for the players and for the Club is contagious, the type of leader you would always work hard for and he will be missed.
On a personal note, it has been a pleasure to welcome and work alongside these chaps over the last few seasons as Director of Rugby and I look forward to seeing them cheering us on again from the sidelines with less stress, and maybe a beer or 2 in hand!
Good luck in all your future endeavours Gentleman, it has been an honour.”
We caught up with departing Head Coach, Dom Jones commented “The last couple of seasons have really tested the fabric of our teams and the individual characters within them.
We’ve had some great performances and high moments, but we’ve experienced testing situations and testing times. We’ve racked up some miles and made friends in clubs we have not played before, or at least for many years, and we’ve mixed it up and competed at all levels that each of our 3 teams has been involved in.
From a coaching perspective, we have tried to establish a way of playing which best suits both the way Rugby has evolved, and also the personnel we have, and whilst at times it’s was a challenge, some performances were totally out of the top drawer and hard for other teams to live with.
The last season has seen the first team finish 4th at level 7, the second team finish 5th at level 8. Our 3’s have mixed it up and competed at level 10 in the true way that Rugby should be played…with fun and physicality, and it is this, from all 3 teams that sets a platform for the teams to move forward, in what is exciting times for the club with such potential coming through the junior and colts set up.”
He continued “I am extremely proud and grateful for the efforts, application, attitude and support that the boys and the club have shown myself and the coaching/managements team over the last few years, and I wish the next coaching team all the best with the preseason fast approaching.”
Outgoing Assistant Coach JJ Gagiano added “I really enjoyed coaching and being part of a great bunch of people, not only the players but all the people behind the scenes as well. Frome taught me a hell of a lot about coaching and other life skills and I am very grateful and privileged to have been part of its history and journey.
There is a huge potential for the club to carry on playing a great brand of rugby and moving up and there are some very good players and more importantly people.
I want to say thank you to Shane and Garrie and of course Dom, Alex, Jinxy, Shadow and Trev, and finally the players who all have welcomed our crazy ideas with open arms, thank you I am going to miss our chats and debates, but really looking forward to watching Frome at The Lane with a cold drink in hand.”
On behalf of us all at Frome RFC, we would like to say a huge thank you to Dominic, JJ and Alex.
Over the coming weeks we have some exciting new as we announce Frome RFC's new Head Coach and backroom staff.
