A FORMER Launceston rugby player has set himself the challenge of reviving the club to its former glory, after he was appointed as head of rugby.

Jimmy Tucker, a dairy farmer from South Petherwin, was born and raised in Launceston and has been a keen player, coach and supporter of Launceston Rugby Club for almost 30 years.

He first joined the club as a Colt in 1987. He played 13 seasons for the 1st team, and since then has retired from playing but has ‘kept his hand in’ by coaching the Colts on and off for four or five seasons.

He was recently contacted by members of the club’s board, who decided a change was needed in how to shape the club, not only for now, but for the future.

The 1st XV, the Cornish All Blacks, have suffered a string of losses so far this season, and many have become disillusioned at the direction in which the club has been going.

Jimmy, who is well known in the town and in the wider rugby community, seemed the ideal candidate to help turn things around.

Bursting with enthusiasm, Jimmy said: “I’m excited. I’m kind of thinking what the heck have I let myself in for, but I shall be very proud when I lead the team out for the first time. I’m determined to ‘re-Launceston-ise’ Launceston Rugby Club.

“I want the boys to put some pride back into their shirts and do themselves justice and try to draw back some excitement from the town and the rugby community. I want to bring back some old spirit but let’s call it new spirit.

“As a player I was up for any challenge. My mind doesn’t work around the word ‘relegation.’ As a coach I’m taking that challenge on.

“If we can avoid going down a league that would be a supreme achievement. That’s not a challenge given to me by the club, that’s a challenge I have set myself.”

The board met former head coach Mike Lewis on Monday evening, to discuss the changes proposed and to ask him to remain on the coaching team.

But, following time to think about his position, Mike has decided to leave the club.

He said: “There was a meeting called at the club regarding the way the club wants to go forward. I feel the changes they wanted to make to the coaching structure was unacceptable for me to continue. I want to thank everyone at the club who has made my time there very enjoyable indeed and wish them luck for the rest of the season.”

Club chairman, Paul Harrison extended his gratitude to Mike for everything he had done for the club:?“I’d like to thank Mike for all his sterling effort over the past year and a half. It’s a shame that he doesn’t want to stay as coach. I think this is partly on the basis that he wants to give his all, and I respect him for that. We wish him all the best for his rugby career.”

Speaking on the new head of rugby appointment, Mr Harrison added: “It’s going to be an exciting time. Jimmy brings a lot of passion and commitment and we want him to instill that further into the boys, even though they’ve got passion, but we want them to strive to play for the shirt.”