Yeovil Rugby Club

Name Ben Parker.

DoB 11/10/1986.

Position Hooker (Front 3)

I started my rugby journey as a player at Chelmsford RFC around age 12 before joining the Army in 2005, The 1^st Battalion Grenadier Guards aged 18, I served on operational tours of Afghanistan, spent some time in Kenya and travelled to various European countries during my time. Aside from my green role I was privileged enough to be involved in ceremonial duties as part of the household division based in central London, taking part in various royal and state events. When possible, I played rugby for the regiment and briefly for Watford RFC, before leaving the army in 2011.

In more recent years after moving to the area post Army, I have played for North Dorset and for Sherborne RFC. I decide to switch gears and began my journey into coaching. My first role was briefly coaching the then Ivel Barbarians Ladies, before being offer my first men’s Head Coach role at Castle Cary RFC. During this time, I was also invited to get involved with the RFU All Schools program as part of my coaching development, working as a community coach at King Arthurs High School in Wincanton. I spent a season with Cary before moving to Dorchester RFC.

Whilst at Dorchester we developed a squad who went on to win the league, promotion from level 8 to 7 and won the D&W vase before reaching the Semi-finals of the national cup. Whilst at Dorchester RFC I was involved with Bath DPP U14s & 15s and D&W U15s county squads. A highlight during this period was being privileged to be invited to assist with England Regional U21’s selection for the upcoming season, delivering coaching sessions for England selectors to observe potential players.

After leaving Dorchester I returned to playing social rugby with North Dorset RFC before unfortunately falling foul of a major shoulder injury. After taking a break from rugby to recover I returned as a social player during the Covid Years breaking into the 1^st XV during the 22/23 season. Unfortunately, I suffered another big injury breaking my wrist and hand funnily enough playing against Yeovil, which left me side-lined for several months. During this period, I was offered the opportunity to get back into coaching and spent a short period with Warminster RFC before making the move as Head Coach back to where my coaching began at Yeovil Rugby.

After being with the club now for a few months, I have been made very welcome and the players have brought into a much needed rebuild. It’s clear we have a very young squad with a wealth of talent and the hunger to produce results. The squad is inexperienced but eager to learn and develop, to gain that experience needed. There is a lot of work needed to and I’m excited to take on the challenge alongside the squad.

My focus now is to maintain at level 7 and establish 2 consistent teams as one squad, giving the players the tools and coaching they need to gain the experience they lack currently. We have spoken a lot about culture and ownership and it’s now a key part of this squad’s mentality when we train and play at weekends, which is fantastic to see. There is already a big difference with numbers and input from players at training as well as on the pitch in terms of performance and it won’t be long before the results start to reflect this. The vibe at the club within the squad is very enjoyable and inclusive. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work with this squad, the club and all that comes with it. Its exciting times with a lot of potential for the future of Yeovil rugby. For anyone looking to return to Yeovil, looking for a new club or looking to start playing rugby, don’t wait until next season as now is the time to get involved and be a part of this new chapter in Yeovil’s history.

My personal ambitions are to coach at the highest possible level I can achieve, and potentially in a full-time role. I’m very focused on my own development and progression looking to start the advanced coaching award next year and complete this whilst at Yeovil Rugby, which with the support from the squad, club is very achievable.” 

Any questions please feel free to contact me direct.