McCloskey And Gilroy Join Bangor Coaching Team
There is a strong Ulster flavour to Bangor’s senior coaching line-up this season, with Ulster and Ireland’s Stuart McCloskey and Craig Gilroy appointed as coaches of the Seasiders’ back-line.
There is a new look to the Bangor management this season following Jason Morgan’s move to take up a new role as Head of Rugby at RBAI. Michael Ferguson has stepped up as Bangor’s head coach, bringing a wealth of experience having rejoined the club from Coleraine.
Former Ulster and Connacht lock Lewis Stevenson, who continues to play in the Bangor engine room, is now player-assistant coach, while the responsibility for the Bangor back-line falls to none other than current Ulster and Ireland players Stuart McCloskey and Craig Gilroy.
Ferguson’s men got off to a flying start in Division 2C of the All-Ireland League last Saturday, carving out a very impressive 44-19 bonus point win at Malahide. They ran in seven tries and notably gave league debuts to four 18-year-olds – Declan Maguire, Oscar Yandall and Liam Preston in the backs along with flanker Stephen Moore.
Commenting on the new senior team management, Bangor RFC Chairman Jonny Watson said: “The Upritchard Park players and supporters are delighted that Michael Ferguson has returned to the club to head up a coaching dream team. With a wealth of AIL experience gained at Queen’s and Malone plus his tenure at Coleraine, we are confident he has the leadership skills to continue our remarkable revival over recent years.
“Lewis Stevenson continues to excel as a player for Bangor and we want to nurture his talent, with the natural progression to player-assistant coach. We are excited that Stuart McCloskey and Craig Gilroy, two of Ulster’s best performing players and home-grown Bangor stars, have a desire to assist in the coaching set-up.
“We have a young and talented backs division who will be keen to learn from coaches that have delivered at the highest level. The club wishes to thank Jason Morgan for the six years he gave as a coach and as a player at Bangor.
“Under his guidance the club achieved remarkable success winning the Towns Cup, the Junior Cup and winning Qualifying 1 to secure a return to senior rugby. We wish Jason well for the future, beginning with his new position at RBAI.”