Nic, or Rousey as he prefers to be known is currently playing for Nottingham Rugby in the RFU Championship, which is the second level of rugby in England. So while Rouse is currently training during the day to take on London Irish, Loughborough Students and Leicester over the next few weeks with Nottingham, he will be training the Crofters forwards in particular to develop them into a slick outfit as they look to improve on last year’s finishing position in Midlands West 1.

Steve Smith, the Head Coach, who also works for Nottingham Rugby as first team manager, said “since Nick Adams departed the club we have been looking for a replacement who could provide the quality of forwards coaching the players deserve for their continued commitment. When I found out that Rousey was interested in a part time coaching position with a local club we jumped at the chance to get him on board. He is one of the most respected players in the Championship, and I am sure he will take our forwards to a whole new level and build on the work Nick has done over the past two seasons.”

Smith also added “we have put in place what I feel is one of the best coaching teams in amateur rugby in the Country and are always on the lookout for players of all ages and abilities and feel that with Rousey and Tom Barlow (ex. Sale / Nottingham) on board, any player looking to develop their rugby skills would be hard pressed to find a better environment.

Pre-season training has started but new players are more than welcome to turn up at Robert Sutton Sports College where the club will train until mid-August on a Tuesday & Thursday from 7.00pm – 8.30pm before returning to Peel Croft and Shobnall. For more information on joining Burton Rugby Club from ages 5 upwards please contact Steve on 07811 209 944.

Additional Information – Nic Rouse

Nic Rouse born 10 February 1981 in Chatham, Kent, England is a rugby union player for Nottingham R.F.C. in the RFU Championship. He previously played for Sale Sharks[2] in the Aviva Premiership. He plays as a lock. Rouse joined Sale Sharks in 2010 from Nottingham. He had previously made over 120 appearances for Nottingham and enjoyed a short spell on loan to London Irish in 2008 when injuries to Nick Kennedy, James Hudson and Bob Casey meant the club had only 1 fit lock. Rouse was educated in Newbury and from the age of 5 played rugby at Newbury Rugby Club. He joined the Bath Rugby Academy in 1999 and subsequently spent time with Caerphilly, Manchester and several seasons with Plymouth Albion before joining Nottingham in 2006 when he was awarded 'Player of the Year' in his first season. He was named in the National One 'Dream Team' in Rugby Times twice and has represented England Students and England Counties.

Picture supplied by Alison Bowden NRFC