The University of Gloucestershire All Golds are delighted to announce that Scotland International Head Coach, Steve McCormack, will join the club with immediate effect initially until the end of the season. McCormack brings a wealth of experience to the club. He is the longest reigning Scotland coach in the history of the nation and had a successful Rugby League World Cup in charge of Scotland where he secured victories over much fancied Tonga and USA plus a draw against Italy. It was in the Quarter-Final that they were knocked out by a mighty New Zealand side led by Sonny Bill Williams.
Alongside his international career he also has a very impressive coaching career in the domestic game. His first coaching appointment had been at Salford, who made him the youngest coach in Super League. He won National League 1 Coach of the Year twice having taken Whitehaven to 2 Grand Finals and just missed out on promotion to Super League. He was appointed coach of Widnes and led the club to 2 National League One Grand Finals and also won the Northern Rail Cup. Furthermore he masterminded Swinton’s Championship 1 title victory in 2011. This won him the accolade of Coach of the Year.
Director of Sport and Chairman of the All Golds, Dr Andrew Pitchford, was naturally delighted by the news: “Steve joins us with a whole host of qualities that sit neatly with our unique model. Mentoring and leadership being key elements. He is one of an exclusive group of the most highly qualified coaches in the land. He will bring a great deal to rugby league and sport generally in Gloucestershire. I have no doubt that he will be a real asset to the university and especially its growing number of rugby league teams.”
Alongside his coaching McCormack also understands educational systems as he lectures in Sports Science at Warrington College. The All Golds are very much hoping to work on a significant partnership with the college as they feel that both institutions can gain a lot from working together. Steve has been down to Gloucester to visit the Headquarters and facilities that the All Golds have at their disposal and is very excited by the opportunities available for implementing an elite level programme.
Steve McCormack is looking forward to getting started in Gloucestershire: “I am delighted to be appointed by the All Golds. Having visited the University of Gloucestershire recently it was clear that the team and staff involved are very passionate and determined to improve all aspects of the All Golds. It is a unique opportunity to coach within the All Golds environment. The fact that the All Golds is owned by the University enables me to combine my current role as Sports Lecturer at Warrington College with the position at the University. Since the Rugby League World Cup I have been looking for an opportunity to get back into club coaching and I can’t wait to get back onto the training field.”