DORCHESTER RFC have appointed former first-team forwards coach and head coach Martyn Peel to the new joint head coach role along with ex-Gloucester and England under-21 player Eral Anderson.

They will be joined by a team of assistant coaches within the set up as Gareth Biddle, Matt Chalker and Carl Mitchell, all former Dorchester players, will take up their roles ready for pre-season training in July.

Peel, who previously coached the forwards and spent time as head coach of the county town club, has played for Richmond, Esher, Sutton & Epsom and latterly Dorchester. He also represented Surrey at County level and has coached the junior section in Dorchester across all age groups, many of which won Dorset & Wilts cups under his guidance.

Anderson has played for Mosely, Gloucester and represented England at U21 level and one of his England caps was against an All Blacks side.

Speaking about his plans and aspirations for the coming season Peel said: “We plan to build on the good work at the club and integrating all teams at senior level. We intend to strengthen the squad and recruit some new players.”

“The coaching team are targeting another strong cup run and to play a fast attractive brand of rugby. Appealing to both experienced and young players alike. This should bring more crowds to Coburg Road and make us a club people want to be at. In terms of the league we will look to consolidate our position and finish mid to top table in our first season back in Southern Counties.”

When asked about his thoughts on his new position, Anderson said: “The club is in a fine place with its youth set up and I am looking forward to helping these players move through into senior rugby. We will look to have some testing games pre season and to step up on player fitness levels.

“I am looking forward to working with the players and helping them move up that extra level to improve their game.”

The move up to Southern Counties level next season will prove a welcome test for the new coaching team and players alike, and with some fine players coming through the excellent youth set up Dorchester are sure to field some strong teams. The experience, knowledge and ability of Peel and Anderson can only add to the mix and push Dorchester on to further success.

Club chairman Nick Hodge has high hopes and is looking forward to the pre-season games already.

Hodge said: “I am pleased to welcome Martyn and Eral as head coaches, with both of them at the helm I am confident the players will step up to the challenge and listen to the experience and guidance from them. It is great also to have former well respected players in the new coaching set up."

"The future of our club is looking strong and with the youth set up feeding some excellent players into the senior sides I look forward to seeing the results of this next season. They are both determined to build on our fine season and aim to push on even more. With the club expanding its player base and being able to field three senior men’s teams, a ladies team and a colts team. Mix this with over 350 junior players, the club is in a fine place and has a great feeling about it. I wish the new coaching team every success and feel positive for the coming season.”