I started senior rugby at Westcombe Park in 2006, where I had played since I was 7 – and for whom my dad had played. At the time, I was on loan from Saracens Academy, where I also played a number of games for the ‘A’ Team.

After this I moved to Australia in 2008 to play two seasons for Easts (Eastern Suburbs, Brisbane), and then UQ (University of Queensland) for three.

I returned to the UK in 2012 to play for Ealing Trailfinders, and they were promoted into the Championship for 2013/2014 season. After this, I moved to London Scottish for a season, before returning to Ealing until 2017.

At the same time, in the 2016/2017 season I started with OPs as Forwards Coach, but this was cut short because of the move from Ealing to Old Elthamians

At the end of the 2017 season I dropped down to play for Old Elthamians, who were promoted to National 1 for the 2017/2018 season. I became Player-Coach in 2018 and then started the 2019/2020 season as forwards coach, having decided to stop playing altogether.

During the 2017/2018 season I made it clear that I wanted to represent Germany, but had to negotiate time away with the Old Elthamians DoR. I played my first test after a whirlwind arrival at camp vs the USA in Weisbaden in November. After this game, the majority of the German national team went on strike and that was basically the end of my international ‘career’.

The start of the 2019/20 season was very busy year for me, having re-joined OPs as Forwards Coach; started my PGCE to become a PE teacher; and with a baby on the way (Milijana arrived January 2020). In the end, it was all a bit too much and I dropped the Old Elthamians role in November 2019.

I was asked to become Head Coach of OPs for the 2020/21 season – to succeed Edd Conway, who had done a sterling job and was moving on to new pastures.

What work do you do outside of rugby?

Currently, I am a PE / Science teacher at William Perkin C of E school in Greenford. I’ve done a few other things, but it’s all quite boring!

Have you had any previous coaching roles?

Other than what I've already mentioned, I have also coached at St Benedict’s between 2013 & 2014 and at Brisbane Boys College in 2010.

What ambitions do you have for the club long-term, and how do you feel COVID-19 has / will affect things?/b]

Ambitions for the club were to gain promotion to London 1, as that is undoubtable the level at which we are capable of competing. However, in light of the recent COVID-19 announcements our focus will ultimately be on providing the players with an outlet for physical and social development. I think these are the most important things the club can offer members of the club right now.

Whilst I think we are all hopeful for some friendly fixtures towards the end of the season, it is really a case of waiting and seeing what the situation is nearer the time. Primarily, I think without the focus of league fixtures, we just want to do our best to keep the players in the club engaged and together – rather than focusing on tactical, or even technical, preparation as this is a short-fire way to bore people into submission.

[b]What are some of your career highlights?

Highlights would be:

- Playing my first senior rugby game with my dad (both in the 2nd row)
- Being fortunate enough to play professionally
- Becoming an international (albeit very briefly)

In terms of enjoyment, some of the most fun I have had was:

- Winning Queensland Premiership Grand Finals with Easts (2008) and UQ (2010, 2012)
- Winning the Manilla 10s with Cape Crusaders (2012)
- Winning promotion with Westcombe Park into National 1 (2006/7); Ealing Trailfinders
into The Championship (2012/13), and Old Elthamians into National 1 (2016/17)

Whilst we won't see any XV rugby this season, we're looking forward to working with Adam and beginning a new chapter at OPRFC.

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