New Director of Rugby, Tony Stoyles
Press Release: 27th July 2006
Ex-Northampton Saints player, Tony Stoyles
appointed as new Director of Rugby
Stoyles started his career as a rugby player at Sponne School Towcester, with the formidable Norman Barker who was Head of PE, a player himself of over 300 appearances for Bedford RFC playing in the front row as a hooker in the 70’s
Stoyles says,
“My school teacher, Norman Barker was my inspiration to rugby union, he made me realize what a fantastic sport rugby is, he encouraged me to be a good player despite my hearing impairment, and I went on to achieve the very best out of rugby, I thank Norman for his unlimited support during my junior days - I am honored to be involved in the England Deaf Rugby Union, it gives me the chance to put back into rugby in particular Deaf rugby; all my experiences and to encourage other Deaf & Hard of Hearing players just because you have a hearing problem, doesn’t mean you can’t participate and achieve the best, I am living proof of that!”
Stoyles first played junior rugby in the 1st XV as a back-row player at the tender age of 15yrs for the Towcestrians RFC – it was a short lived career as he was invited to join Northampton Saints RFC and play for the Colts, where he played for 3 successful season with an unbeaten record, “we had a pack that weighed more than the Bath 1st XV and at that time Bath were top of the league!”
From there, Stoyles involvement with the Saints blossomed, with regular appearances in the Wanderers
Chairman of EDRU Marcel Hirshman said: "We are delighted to have someone of Tony's calibre and experience to take over as Director of Rugby. Tony brings a huge knowledge of both the game and through his experience of working with the players from all levels. This continuity is vital as we look to continually develop the EDRU setup both on and off the field
From there, Stoyles involvement with the Saints blossomed, with regular appearances in the Wanderers
Chairman of EDRU Marcel Hirshman said: "We are delighted to have someone of Tony's calibre and experience to take over as Director of Rugby. Tony brings a huge knowledge of both the game and through his experience of working with the players from all levels. This continuity is vital as we look to continually develop the EDRU setup both on and off the field
Tony’s experience of working with and nurturing young talent will be crucial to our development program too, as we are always looking to strengthen our playing base, and see our Development Academy as being central to this process."
