As the 2021/2022 season has now officially ended, and following last weeks Frome RFC Senior presentation, it was announced that there would be a number of backroom staff stepping down this summer including Director of Rugby, Cameron Hastie, Head Coach, Toby Culff and Unit Coach & 1st XV Player Elliott Bowler.

We caught up with the three men during the week..

Director of Rugby, Cameron Hastie had these comments to make "It's been such a great journey over the last six years and I've loved it, but time to hand it over, thank you all that contributed towards my leaving gifts, I'm overwhelmed and very thankful. I'd like to thank to all at the club for their support and commitment, and thanks to my Wife Sonia for putting up with me and again her support. A special thanks to the Osbornes Trevor & Claire, and the great management, players and coaching staff.

He continued "I have worked with Toby for my tenure of my appointment as DoR, and he has been a pleasure to work with, for those that have played alongside Toby and have been coached by him, you will realise that you will not find anyone with more dedication, values, commitment or emotional loyalty towards the club.

His preparation of sessions is second to none, his variety and imaginative sessions are inspiring. 

He has pushed and motivated players to become better, giving them faith in their ability. He set his stall out early but had the vision to change where change was needed. He leaves having achieved something that no other coach has managed, 1st team remaining at level 6, the 2nds promoted to level 7 and the 3rds putting out a regular team."

We caught up with Head Coach Toby Culff who had these words to say about Hastie "Cameron took up the role of DoR just before I joined as an Assistant Coach. It was clear from the start that he was going to bring a lot of professionalism, passion and personality to the post. Cam doesn't do half measures - if he's going to do something, he does it properly, wholeheartedly, with complete seriousness. And with ambition, too. He was never going to be satisfied with treading water.  He wanted to make things better - better for the players, better for the Club - and he did that through sheer hard work and determination. The Club owes him an enormous debt of gratitude. 

Personally, I'd like to thank him for his inexhaustible support and encouragement. I think Cam's greatest attribute is his ceaseless positivity and the way in which he's able to rebuild confidence, belief and focus. However tired, beaten and disheartened you may feel, Cam will always be there to pick you back up. He's exactly the kind of guy you want in your corner. He's become a great friend and I'll always be grateful to him."

Culff continued his comments by thanking Unit Coach & Player Elliott Bowler, who steps down from his role "Elliott is unique. I've played with him and known him for a long time, and I knew what he'd bring to the group. He's a gifted player, a clever rugby thinker, a natural leader, an inspiring teammate, and a first-class human being. I was desperate for him to join us and I can't adequately describe his transformative influence. Nor can I properly put into words how much I've enjoyed sharing the experience with him. I couldn't have done it without him, and I wouldn't have wanted to. Through thick and thin, he's been the perfect right hand man and a true friend. I'm immensely grateful to him, I'll miss him enormously, and I wish him every possible success in his next position.

As for me, I would just like to say thank you. Thank you to the Club for the opportunity, to the players for everything they've invested, to the coaching and management teams for their support and encouragement. I'm proud of what we've achieved together and I think....I hope....we're leaving the Club a little bit stronger and better than when we started. It's been my dream job, the best job I've ever had, and I'll be forever grateful. Good luck for the future!"

Unit Coach and 1st XV Player, Elliott Bowler had these comments to make following the announcement of his departure. "I can't begin to express my thanks enough to Cameron, Toby and everyone at Frome RFC for the opportunity to be involved in a such a great club. Special mentions must go to Trevor Osborne, Team Manager, who does so much work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Thank you also to Matty Warnock for all his efforts with our social media, game videos and editing....this list really does go on. I thank all the players from all 3 squads for all their efforts and commitments over the last x amount of years. I've enjoyed it immensely, loved every minute of it and I'll be forever proud of what we've achieved together! 

The fantastic effort made by all has meant the Club has achieved things it's never done before, the 1st XV's promotion to level 6 was a huge deal, and the hard work put in by the players meant we remain at this level going into the 2022/23 season. The success of the 2nd XV who've gained promotion twice during my time here, the work that have gone into that is incredible, and for the first time will compete at level 7 next season.  We've seen huge success with our 3rd XV who have continued to grow, and fielding a team every week must certainly be congratulated. 

I know with the new Coaches at the helm, supported by three great Captains the future is very bright. 

I'll truly miss everyone and have made some great friends of whom I'll be in contact with for the rest of my life, with or without rugby!! Love you all and many thanks, Elbow."

The Club would like to express its overwhelming thanks to the three men who step down from their roles this summer, they have been an integral part of the club and have certainly left it in a better place. 

Over the coming weeks, and following Monday nights Frome RFC AGM we will have more news on this coming seasons Coaching Staff and Captaincy appointments as well as the build up to the much anticipated annual Frome 7's, the event which has attracted up to 50+ teams in the past is set for June 18th, and has been sorely missed by all following the previous year's cancellations due to Covid restrictions.