With the promotion of Matt Derbyshire into a new Director of Rugby role, one of Matt's first tasks was to secure top class coaching support and leadership for the Senior Section.

With Matt Derbyshire having gained his Level 3 qualification last season and Gary Rudkin, also a Level 3 qualified coach, Melbourne RFC will almost certainly have the best qualified and best community club coaching team for miles around. Further appointments are also due to be announced in the coming weeks...exciting times ahead.

Matt Derbyshire said the following, "as soon as we knew Gary may be available we moved quickly to secure his services. Gary knows the club exceptionally well, and I know Gary exceptionally well. We have the same values in coaching, our styles are similarly aligned and we will challenge and push one another to get the best out of each other for the benefit of the club.

The players will be thrilled and have an excellent relationship and knowledge of Gary already having supported the club over the last few seasons."

It is with a heavy heart the Melbourne also announce the departure of Steve Grainger. The long standing first team coach who has worked tirelessly alongside Matt Derbyshire for the past two seasons. Steve has left for pastures new, with the full support of Matt and the club as he seeks to take on further challenge in a head coach role.

"Steve has been a fantastic ambassador and servant of the club. Whilst it is sad to see him leave we wish him all the best for the future and fully support him in his quest to take on a head coach challenge. He will always be a part of the club and his efforts, not the least in helping the club to achieve promotion and win the NLD Shield, will not be forgotten."