Expert Coaching, Training, Programmes & Events for all Levels
Hi, We’re
Switch Rugby!
We’re excited to welcome you to our new website!
Our goal is to make your visit as valuable as possible by helping you easily find the information and services you need.
Whether it’s your first time here or you’re a regular, you may be wondering who we are and what we do. So let us say hi and introduce ourselves!
the Switch Rugby Team
Say Hello to the Switch Rugby Team
Committed to Inspiring Passion and Progress in Rugby
Our Commitment to Excellence
At Switch Rugby, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing rugby talent and fostering an enduring love for the sport. Our team of skilled professionals is not just here to coach; we are passionate about guiding every athlete on their journey to greatness, ensuring they thrive both on and off the field.
Our Mission:
Empowering Athletes, Transforming Lives
Our mission is to empower athletes at every level—from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned veterans—enabling them to unlock their full potential. We strive to create an inclusive environment where every player feels valued and inspired, setting the stage for success both in rugby and in life.
All of our team members are available for personalised 1-2-1, paired and small group coaching sessions.
Interested in Learning More?
Click a button below to visit the info pages or go to our contacts section and let us know exactly what you need and we’ll be in touch pronto!
Matt Sheppard
Hi, I’m Matt, the Founder and Director of Switch Rugby. With 23 years of experience working with people of all ages in education and sport, I created Switch Rugby out of a deep passion for the transformative power of rugby—both on and off the field.
I am a former RFU Development Officer, Assistant Director of Rugby at Hartpury College, Coach Educator and RFU Trainer.
More About Matt
After spending 2 years as the Assistant Director of Rugby at Hartpury College, I moved back into education and spent 12 years, initially as a teacher of Physical Education, reaching the position of Assistant Headteacher. Since 2013 I have been working with the Bristol Bears Academy as a Centre Manager and Development Coach within the Aspire and Excel Programmes.
I am passionate about the power of sport, particularly rugby, in developing the potential in people both on and off the field of play. This is what forms our purpose at Switch Rugby.
Qualifications
- BEd (Hons)
- RFU Level 3 Coach
- RFU Coach Educator
- RFU Trainer
- Level 5 ILM Coach & Mentor
Playing Info
I played anywhere in the backs or back row, but most of my rugby was in the centre.
- Keynsham RFC
- Leeds RUFC
Away From The Pitch
I’m a proud father of two boys and a husband to Kate.
I enjoy catching up with friends, weekends away, and relaxing in Menorca.
I’m also a dreadful guitar player, tennis player, and gym-goer!!! But I try hard.
Director
Gary Townsend
Hi, most people know me as GT.
Born, lived, and educated in Bristol, I am Head of Rugby at Switch Rugby Academy, following a lifetime in education and rugby coaching and development.
I am a former PE Teacher, Head of Year, Head of Sixth Form, RFU Development Officer, RFU National Coach Development Manager, RFU National Player Development Manager, and Bristol Bears Junior Academy Manager.
More About Gary
Teaching was a brilliant experience and, over many years, provided me with the opportunity to teach and coach thousands of young people, and to gain a real understanding of child development.
In 2001, I was able to combine a passion for child development with my passion for rugby and became an RFU Rugby Development Officer based in Gloucester, before being promoted to a national role in coach development and then player development.
This afforded me the opportunity to travel, delivering courses in the Netherlands, Spain, USA, Sweden, and South Africa, in addition to some coaching for UK charities in Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, and India.
In 2014, I was fortunate to be offered a role at Bristol Rugby (now Bears) and became the Junior Academy Manager with responsibility for Under 13 to 16 talent development and identification. From there, I joined Switch Rugby Academy in June 2024, one year earlier than planned.
Matt Sheppard and I share the same passion for rugby as the vehicle to develop people on and off the pitch.
Qualifications
- B.Ed
- RFU Level 1
- RFU Level 2
- RFU Level 3
- RFU Coach Educator
- RFU Trainer
- World Rugby Educator
Playing Info
I started playing rugby at the age of 11, primarily in the positions of Flanker (7), Number 8, and Lock.
- 11–18: Shared rugby with water polo
- 16–18: Bristol Colts and Old Elizabethans
- 18–21: Chester College
- 21: Serious neck injury – stopped playing
- 25–28: Coach, Bristol Schools
- 22–32: Karate coach – St Mary’s OBs
- 32–45: Player and coach, St Mary’s OBs and Gordano RFC
- 42: Coach, SW Women’s Seniors
- 45: Retired; coached various age groups, girls and boys
Away From The Pitch
I’m a proud father of four and a delighted grandfather to two.
I have a passion for travel and love exploring new places.
When it comes to books, I’m an avid reader of factual works. Some of my favorites include One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, but my all-time favorite is When Pride Still Mattered, the biography of Vince Lombardi.
My favorite film? That’s an easy one—Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
As for TV, I can’t get enough of Would I Lie to You?—it’s always good for a laugh!
Head of Rugby
Vicky Mansell
Vicky is a skilled fly half and full back for Dursley Ladies, combining sharp game sense with fearless play. She’s also taken on rugby league at a semi-professional level, showcasing her versatility and determination.
More About Vicky
Off the field, Vicky’s passion for cricket shines as she leads her local team as captain, always ready with a winning strategy and a smile. Whether she’s kicking conversions or hitting boundaries, Vicky brings dedication and humor, to every team she’s part of!
Qualifications
- RFU Level 2 Coaching Award
- BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Sport Psychology
- MSc (Hons) Sports Physical Activity and Mental Health
- Qualification 4
Playing Info
- Fly half
- Full back
Vicky plays for Dursley Ladies as a fly half or full back.Vicky has also played rugby league at a semi-professional level.
Away From The Pitch
Vicky is passionate about cricket and leads her local team as captain, inspiring her teammates every game.
Coach
Lawrence Gill
Lawrence is a coach who knows how to make improvement fun. With an RFU Level 2 qualification, he runs 1-2-1 sessions on the first Saturday of every month to help players sharpen their skills and boost their confidence.
More About Lawrence
Away from the pitch, Lawrence is an adrenaline junkie who thrives on adventure sports. From surfing and downhill biking to white-water kayaking, he’s always seeking the next thrill. If you want to catch Lawrence, you’d better be ready for an action-packed challenge!
Qualifications
- RFU Level 2
- BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching
- MSc (Hons) Sports Psychology
- England Rugby Mentor Award
Playing Info
- Hooker
- Flanker
Away From The Pitch
Lawrence spends his free time in adventure sports like surfing, downhill biking, and white-water kayaking.
Coach
Charlie Hurt
Hi, I’m Charlie. I’m a full-back and sevens specialist.
I love coaching rugby and focusing on supporting players to gain an edge in their game, reacting more quickly than an opponent, and playing with a smile on their face.
More About Charlie
I have coached junior rugby for the past eight years, alongside coaching football and boxing. This has allowed me to have a multidisciplinary approach to my coaching and give players a wide perspective and options on how to reach their goals.
I have spent years working in both the care industry and creative industry simultaneously. This combination of experience has given me a unique perspective on how to support young people and guide them through challenging years, allowing them to identify their strengths and move forward confidently. I am interested in creativity in sport and how that can give players the freedom to express themselves on and off the field.
Qualifications
Coming soon…
Playing Info
- Full-Back
- Winger
- Fly-Half
Away From The Pitch
I am often found writing songs and enjoying putting on music events in Bristol’s thriving music scene. If you need a pre-game tune recommendation to get you match-ready, I’ve got you covered.
Coach
Stuart Souch
Stuart has been passionate about rugby since the age of 4, playing a variety of positions across the backline, from 9 to 15. He currently holds the role of vice-captain and plays at inside centre (12) for Avonmouth 1st team.
More About Stuart
In the summer, Stuart continues to challenge himself by competing in 7s tournaments.
Qualifications
- England Rugby Coaching Award level 2
- eLearning: Headcase Concussion Awareness Training
- eLearning: Introduction to Safeguarding
- eLearning: TackleSafe
- Principles of the Lineout
- Play it Safe
- Ready for rugby
Playing Info
- Experienced in positions across the backline, from 9 to 15.
- Currently plays as inside centre (12) for Avonmouth 1st team.
- Vice-captain of Avonmouth 1st team.
- Competes in 7s tournaments during the summer.
Away From The Pitch
Away from rugby, I’m passionate about fitness and enjoy trying out new challenges. You’ll often find me on the golf course or getting stuck into anything that keeps me active and outdoors.
Coach
Become A
Part of Our
Switch Rugby Team
We’re always on the look out for the right people to strengthen our team.
Why not get in touch and send us your CV?
