Petersfield Rugby Club have recruited two player-coaches to Penns Place for the 2023-24 season.

Liam Perkins and Matt McLean arrive from Worthing RFC, bringing a wealth of experience as they start their coaching development journey. Perkins plays at number eight and is the current Hampshire captain. McLean can play at full-back or fly-half and has Wales Sevens honours, as well as making 308 National League appearances for Worthing Raiders with a National League record of 3,036 points.

Perkins said: “Having coached now and again at Petersfield in the past – and having enjoyed my time doing so – when I was approached to take on a more prominent role in the coaching team at Petersfield, it was an easy decision to make. It comes at a time when I wanted to take a backwards step from National League rugby and to focus more on my development as a coach.

“I see Petersfield as the perfect place to do this.

“To have the chance to coach and play at a club such as Petersfield is an exciting opportunity all round. I cannot wait to get started, and to hopefully build a brand of rugby throughout the club which is exciting to play and watch.”

McLean, who will be responsible for the backs at Petersfield, said: “I am really excited to be joining a club with excellent core values and a progressive mindset to rugby development, and will be looking to install an attractive and enjoyable style of rugby throughout the club.”