It’s a busy time for Jersey’s rugby development officer Mark White.

Having led a coaching session to assist newly-qualified teachers gain their tag rugby leaders accreditation on Tuesday, he has arranged for 13 trainee rugby coaches to attend a Level One course at Jersey RFC this weekend.

The course, part of the Deutsche Bank Rugby Development programme, will be led by Will Feebery, head of training for the RFU and Clive Cashell, southern region development manager.

It combines theoretical and practical work designed to help the trainees deliver safe, ethical and effective rugby union coaching to adults and children.

Deutsche Bank’s treasury director Andy Falle successfully completed this qualification last year and is actively involved in coaching minis.

He said: ‘There is a huge amount of interest in rugby at the moment.

My group of under 11s has increased to 35 this year and, indeed, four of my assistants have signed up for this course.

We are fortunate that Mark is able to bring such high calibre coaches to the Island.’ Cliff Chipperfield of the Jersey Rugby Development committee commented: ‘Jersey players are starting to enjoy success in the national rugby arena as evidenced by the progress of young players such as Matt Banahan, Ross Kenwright and Ross Allan.

Activities such as this weekend will undoubtedly help us to build on the very strong foundations that have been achieved in Jersey so far.’ The Level One certificate is accredited on the National Qualifications Framework and is badged as a Technical Certificate.