FORMER Bromsgrove ace Jon Critchlow is the new head coach at Pershore Rugby Club.

Critchlow, who turns 34 in October, is excited about the new challenge after being backs coach at Bromsgrove last term.

He works for the Rugby Football Union and admits Pershore’s progression on and off the field has been outstanding over the last 18 months.

“It’s a fresh start for me and a new challenge and I wanted to be a head coach rather than a backs coach,” said Critchlow.

“This role was one that ticked the most boxes for me and in my interview I stated that I was going to be solely a coach and not playing.”

Pershore will be competing in Midlands Four West (South) and locking horns with Worcestershire rivals Redditch and Tenbury.

Their senior players are enjoying their summer break but will be reporting back for training on July 4 at 7pm.