After more than 10 years with The Lambs, National Director Alex Laybourne is stepping down from his role. He will be handing over the Director of Rugby role to James Vecchio, who took the lead this season and completed a successful transition.
Having started with the Lambs in October 2012 as the Midlands Manager, Alex took over the National Manager role in October 2013. After running a successful tour to Zimbabwe in Easter 2014 he then took over as National Director and since then oversaw the implementation of an U16s side, a Senior 7s side that played in the National Super Series, and the growth of the U18s programme to what it is today. He has also produced several ‘Old Boys’ XVs sides, including, in his final outing in charge with a game versus England Deaf at Rugby School.
On stepping down Alex said:
“Now is the right time to move on, with a young family and more time being spent with the Swedish National Team, alongside a natural evolution that is required for growth, I believe this change will allow the Lambs to continue to evolve.
I am proud of what we have achieved in the last 10 years, and the challenges we have overcome. The next phase of The Lambs requires a different and refreshed energy and enthusiasm that the coaches and staff coming through have. I am more than confident that under James’ leadership the Lambs programme will flourish and continue to offer players amazing opportunities that they might otherwise not have had.”
Chairman of the Lambs Chris Terry said:
“Alex has transformed The Lambs during is tenure at the helm. He has taken The Lambs to the next level. He has cemented the Lambs as an institution of English rugby and has been paramount in creating opportunities and positive rugby experiences for hundreds and hundreds of players, giving them experiences that they would otherwise not have gained due to a lack of selection opportunities or other commitments that do not fit with the traditional youth rugby pathways.
We are extremely grateful for the time and sacrifices that Alex has made for the Lambs, he has been totally dedicated and selfless – all of the vast amount of time he has put in has been unpaid and comes from his love and passion for the sport and for providing opportunities and pathways for young players in the game!
We are now very much hoping that Alex will accept a position on The Lambs’ Board as a Vice-President to act in an advisory capacity using the experience, he is rapidly gaining to help us, both in terms of his national-side coaching duties and his work in the charity sector.
Thank you Alex – The Lambs would not be the organisation it is today with you!”
About James,
James was formerly Head of Rugby at Queen’s College, Taunton, and is currently at Sidcot School in Somerset and Head Coach at Winscombe RFC.
Before the Lambs, James has coached and worked for serval institutions including Bath DPP, Bristol Bears Excel Academy, Cardiff Met Women’s and Somerset RFU.
Welcome onboard James and thanks for all this season!
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