Following an extensive recruitment process, Old Gravesendians is delighted to announce Pete Olliver as Head Coach of the club ahead of the 2019 / 2020 season.

After a successful playing career at clubs including Sheppey, Canterbury, Deal and Thanet Wandeers, plus representative honours for Kent, Pete has moved into a successful coaching career. Pete’s coaching resume includes successful spells coaching at Sheppey, Villefagnan in France, Deal, Thanet Wanderers, England Fire Service, GB Fire Service and Kent Women – where he has collected a variety of silverware.

He joins Old Gs at a time where the club is looking to continue its upward curve – with the club looking to challenge for honours in the upcoming season with the long term view of establishing itself in the London leagues.

Club Chairman Mike Hodge commented on the appointment:

“I’m very excited to have Pete onboard for next year. We received a number of high quality CVs from around the county, but Pete’s stood out for his vision of what he believes Old Gs can become. For anyone taking over in the footsteps of Andy Miller, it is going to be a hard act to follow, but we think that what Pete can bring to the club will be perfect to build upon the existing foundations. I’m very excited for next season and appointing Pete is a real coup for the club. I think that appointing Pete is a sign of our ambitions and where I believe Old Gravesendians should be."

Following news of his appointment, Pete shared his views on taking on the role:

“I am relishing the prospect of taking Old G’s further than their position at the moment. The potential is very real and with a bit of direction we can flourish in to a well-balanced, attractive rugby playing side. We will work on key areas and patterns and we will be no doubt once again be a team to be feared in Kent 1 next year. I really can’t wait for pre-season to commence and I am looking forward to enhancing the knowledge of the squad and its understanding of the game.”

Pete will commence his role at the start of July, leading the club through pre-season training ahead of the competitive action starting in September.