A Pleasant Surprise

 We feel this is a bit of a scoop for this blog and reward for promoting the positives in the game!
Some really good news has just reached us regarding the Men's National Squad. Mike Hale has not been lost to the Swedish game, he has been appointed as an assistant coach. Mike assisted the squad earlier this year in Holland, when he acted as assistant coach and stepped in as Team Manager. Reports from that weekend were very complimentary and positive about his performance in both areas, and we feel sure the players will welcome this appointment, as should all fair minded supporters.
This is indeed a bonus for the game, for those of you not aware, Mike was one of the coaches who helped guide the Women's National Squad through to next years World Cup, the first time that a Swedish Rugby Team have qualified for this prestigious event. He was also the coach that took the GRF women to their first golds in both the 15's and 7's in 2008, his first season with them and he has also steered them into the Elite series this year. We know that he has experience of coaching men in the National Leagues in England and has a proven track of success in both formats of the game. From our discussions with him, he is a coach that gives the credit to the players for any success and  he believes in a strong squad system. This can only be good for the game and is truly a pleasant surprise