Ripon RUFC Chairman Adam Briggs stated: We are delighted to welcome this young and exciting coach to our team to help us build on the continuous improvements that we have enjoyed over the past 2 seasons. Director of Rugby Ian Hassall and his management and coaching team have done an excellent job in moving the Club forward and we see this appointment as the next major step in building a successful future for our Club.

Tom "Gilly" Gilchrist currently plays for Yarnbury in Yorkshire League 1, is a Level 3 coach and is already coaching Yorkshire Under 18's. He is still only 26 and is highly regarded throughout the County.

Director of Rugby Ian Hassall was quick to praise his coaching team of Peter Taylor, Dave Robinson, Jacob McRobert, Paul Blood and Andy Rickard. All of the team have agreed to stay another season at Mallorie Park and Peter Taylor will continue with his specialist skills including mentoring and developing coaches. Ian Hassall said "Peter Taylor has done a fantastic job at the Club and he is looking forward to working with Gilly in developing coaches, players and improving the quality of rugby we play."

After many seasons of relegation battles Ripon achieved a respectable mid table position in Yorkshire League 2 and look to push on next season. They are actively recruiting players and if any readers are interested please contact the Club via the website.

The team are currently working on a new model to prepare young players for adult rugby and the details of this development will announced early summer.