Rosslyn Park is delighted to announce the arrival of Fred Davies as our new Community Project Manager. The former Bristol Bears player joins the club to lead and deliver a range of community initiatives, helping to grow the game and strengthen Rosslyn Park’s connection with the local community.
Alongside his new role off the field, Fred has also joined Rosslyn Park’s 1st XV ahead of the 2026/27 season, bringing valuable experience to the squad as preparations continue for the new National 1 campaign.
We sat down with him to discuss his reason for joining Rosslyn Park and what to expect from his new role…
Tell us a bit about your background and experience.
‘I’ve been fortunate that rugby has shaped my career and pathway for as long as I can remember — from my schoolboy days, to playing abroad in Australia, opening the door to studying at Durham and gaining a great degree, and eventually moving into professional rugby with Bristol Bears and then Doncaster Knights. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of playing with and against some incredible players in some fantastic competitions.
I’ve also been fortunate to work across coaching and player development, with a real passion for helping people enjoy the game and reach their potential. Throughout my journey, I’ve worked with players of different ages and abilities, from grassroots through to performance environments, which has given me a broad perspective on what rugby can offer both on and off the field.
Careers are often shaped by sliding-door moments, and the opportunity to join Rosslyn Park was one that really stood out. It’s a club with an incredible history, strong ambitions and a genuine commitment to its community. It felt like the perfect place to continue developing as both a player and a coach within the 1XV, while contributing to something bigger than just what happens on a Saturday.’
What attracted you to Rosslyn Park?
‘From a playing perspective, Rosslyn Park is a club that consistently strives to compete at the highest level while continuing to develop its players and environment. The standards are high, the environment is professional and there’s a real drive to improve every day. That said, the club also gets the balance right. There is a real appreciation and empathy for the players’ careers, alongside a focus on enjoying ourselves and building connections off the pitch. That’s exactly the type of challenge I was looking for.
It’s been 10 years since I last played in National 1, and it’s great to see how competitive and gritty the league still is. A lot of the same teams are still here, as well as a sprinkling of new energy. I was lucky enough to play in a couple of Barbarians invitational fixtures a year or so ago and was joined by a few current and former Park players. I had crossed paths with a few of them already, but it was a brilliant few weeks where we created a lot of memories. They spoke so highly of the club that it really sparked my interest.
Like anyone involved in professional sport, there comes a point where you have to make a decision about what’s next – and it never feels like the perfect time. However, I managed to join back up with Bristol at the end of last year, and it felt like it rounded off an amazing stage of my life. It has definitely been an adjustment, but my role at the club has provided a great transition into both London and the next stage of life away from full-time professional rugby.
The community role was equally appealing because it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation. Rugby has given me so much throughout my life, and being able to introduce young people to the game, help them develop their skills and build confidence through sport is something I’m really passionate about. Rosslyn Park’s commitment to making rugby accessible to everyone made the decision even easier.’
What are some things people may not know about Rosslyn Park Community?
‘I think people are often surprised by just how much Rosslyn Park Community does. It’s about far more than rugby coaching. We work with local schools, run holiday camps, deliver multi-sport activities and create opportunities for young people of all abilities to get involved in sport. The community programme also focuses on health, wellbeing and making sport as inclusive and accessible as possible.
Our camps provide a fun, safe and engaging environment where children can develop their skills, make new friends and stay active during the school holidays. They’re open to a wide range of abilities, so whether someone is picking up a rugby ball for the first time or looking to develop their game, there’s something for everyone.’
How can people find out more about Rosslyn Park Community camps and get involved with coaching?
‘The easiest way to find out more is to visit the Rosslyn Park website or follow the club’s social media channels, where all the latest information about camps, school programmes and community initiatives is shared. There are opportunities for children to take part in holiday camps, schools to partner with the club, and coaches or volunteers to get involved with delivering sessions.
We’re always keen to welcome new faces into the Rosslyn Park community, so if you’re interested in playing, coaching or volunteering, don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.’
What are you looking to achieve from a playing perspective with the squad this year?
‘Personally, I want to contribute as much as I can every week and help the team achieve its goals. That means bringing consistency to my performances, continuing to improve as a player and finding the right balance as a player-coach. As a coach, I’ve always believed that the hours don’t lie, so I want to spend as much time as possible learning from the rest of the coaching group and gaining experience in order to achieve my own ambitions within coaching.
As a squad, we want to be competitive in every game, build strong momentum throughout the season and challenge ourselves to achieve success together. It’s about creating a winning culture while continuing to develop individually and collectively.’
Fred is currently on the lookout for community coaches to join our team here at Rosslyn Park. If you think this might be the role for you please email: Fred.davies@rosslynpark.co.uk
