United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean-born rugby coach Liam Middleton had a winning debut as the head coach at English Rugby Football Union (RFU) Championship side Bristol Rugby Club.
The RFU Championship is the second tier in the English rugby union system and just a rung below the top-flight Aviva Premiership.
Middleton who replaced Englishman Paul Hull watched his side record an impressive 38-12 rout of Doncaster Knights on the opening day of the RFU Championship season over the weekend.
Middleton is also the head coach of Zimbabwe Sevens national team, who are affectionately known as the Cheetahs.
Former Zimbabwe Under-20 captain, Marco Mama, who last season graduated from the team’s academy side, also featured for Bristol in the match.
Middleton, who is expected to join the Zimbabwe Sevens team during the International Rugby Board (IRB) World series legs in Dubai and George (South Africa) attributed Bristol’s bonus point win to hard work.
Middleton commented on the club’s official website: “We’ve never beaten Doncaster at Castle Park, so we knew what a difficult place it was to come and win here.
“We knew the task in hand and gave them full respect coming into the game. They are a very physical side and I don’t think the result reflects how difficult Doncaster are to beat. I think a lot of sides will find it tough here this season.
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“I was really pleased to come away with a win first and foremost, but the bonus point was great too. It’s a testament to the work ethic of the players right at the death to keep plugging away. Their speed and athleticism was rewarded with two late tries.”
Middleton is RFU and IRB Level 4 qualified coach and is widely credited for the rise of the Cheetahs on the IRB World Series circuit.
He joined Bristol Rugby Club in 2009 as academy coach and over the past two years has developed the academy side to a point where it is now considered to be one of the strongest in the country.
Prior to joining Bristol, Middleton worked as the performance manager for Hartpury College which is home to Zimbabwe Under-20 players Mama, Takudzwa Mandiwanza and Graeme Lawler.
Talented Sables’ scrumhalf Charles Jiji and Young Sables’ utility backliner Justin Coles have also been awarded full rugby scholarships at the same institution.
