Coaching Staff

Gareth Lynn

Garteh is a former player of Academy RFC.  Gareth joined the Academy coaching team in 2011 as an assistant coach.  In 2012 he was appointed head coach following one season as 1st XV assistant coach and 2nd XV Coach  He is currently qualified to Level 1 standard with his main strength lying as a forwards coach; however he also possesses very strong motivational skills and has worked hard in developing players’ awareness of game strategy.  Gareth is very passionate about Academy RFC and is very keen to see his current crop of players that he has worked and played with over the last few seasons realise their true potential.

David Haslett

David played for Academy 1st XV during the 70s captaining the team in 1973.   He remained with the Club as first XV coach during the early 80s before launching a very successful coaching career which included being coach of Dungannon RFC, Ulster, Ireland U21 Ireland A and most latterly Ireland U21 team manager.  For a short time he was also assistant coach of the Ireland Senior team. Through out his time away he has always kept in touch and returned officially in 2006 as Director of coaching at Academy.  His areas of speciality include gameplan, game understanding, decision making and general skills development.  David has also been elected Club President for the 2009-2010 season.  

Colin Petrie

Colin has been a long serving member and player at Academy.  He played for all teams between 1971- 1978 as a front row forward.  He has continued his involvement as a mini rugby coach from 1975-1988, he then took up the role as 1stXV coach in 1991 and remained in this role until 2002.   Colin has been ever present in Academy and is heavily involved in the off field management of the club.   He now performs the role of 2ndXV coach and also assists 1st XV in a skills coaching role.