Picture courtesy of Stafford Rugby Club
Stafford Rugby Club has announced that a former player, who went on to play for the biggest professional teams in the UK and in Europe, has returned to become a player-coach for the 2020/21 campaign.
Aly Muldowney came through the ranks for the club’s Colts side before progressing onto the senior team and would go on to play for the likes of Pro-14 outfit Glasgow Warriors as well as Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears in the English Premiership.
Upon the return to his hometown club, the 36-year-old said: “I started with Stafford Rugby Club and have subsequently been on an amazing rugby journey but when my professional career was coming to an end, I knew I wanted to return to where it all began for me.
“I am looking forward to working with (Head Coach) Darren Mottershead and the coaching team, who have been doing an excellent job and maybe add a few things that I have picked up during my professional career.
“I am also looking forward to coaching and playing in a team that has an exciting mix of young and experienced players. I can hopefully bring another layer of professionalism to what we do and what we want to achieve as a club, taking the team culture to a higher level.
“I hope my experience can benefit all players, across all teams within the club and we can move forward with the #OneClub ethos of this amazing club.”
Stafford Rugby Club Chairman Tim Woolman welcomed Muldowney back to Coopers Park, stating: “Aly is a true friend of the club, left us some years ago and has enjoyed a brilliant professional career.
“It is an absolute pleasure to welcome Aly and his family back to where it all started for him. We are very proud at what he has achieved in the game and look forward to seeing him on the pitch at Coopers Park. Welcome back mate.”
Head coach Darren Mottershead added: “I have had the pleasure of knowing Aly for a number of years and played in the first team with him at the start of his rugby career.
“Having seen what he has gone on and achieved makes us all at Stafford Rugby very proud. This is a superb signing for us and shows the direction we are heading on the playing side.
“The other coaches and myself are really looking forward to working with Aly both on and off the pitch. Welcome home pal.”
Muldowney played at the top level of European club rugby, playing in the Heineken Cup numerous times and also won the Pro12 Grand Final with Connacht in 2016.
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