North Wales Crusaders head coach Carl Forster has confirmed his backroom team for the 2025 season with pre-season training now well underway.
Forster, who is looking forward to his first season fully on the sidelines following his retirement from playing, shall be supported by a three person coaching group alongside physio Ellie Jones.
Assistant Coach: Stuart Simmons
Head coach at England Lions Under 17’s, Simmons is a well respected figure within the game.
Having started his coaching journey as a player-coach in the open age at Haresfinch, Simmons has also brought an age group right through from Under 8’s to Under 18’s at Orrell St James alongside a lengthy spell with Haydock and also worked with Pilkington Recs before linking up with Carl Forster at Crusaders for the 2023 season where the duo took the club to the League One play-off final.
Team Manager & Coach: Simon Reynolds
Reynolds began his coaching journey at Leigh East where he transitioned from the playing squad to coaching staff before being brought into the North Wales Crusaders setup by then coach Anthony Murray working alongside Murray for several seasons before continuing in his role under now head coach Carl Forster.
During his time with the club Reynolds has also picked up head coach roles for North Wales Origin and also Wales Dragonhearts as he continues his development within the game.
Player-Coach: Pat Ah Van
The rugby league veteran shall be looking towards his post-playing career in 2025 as he steps up into a new hybrid player-coach role.
A legend of the game, Ah Van brings with him a wealth of experience playing in both the NRL and Super League.
Forster and his team shall also be supported by Ellie Jones (Sport Rehabilitator) and Shaun Gould (matchday and kit assistant).
Commenting on his backroom team selections, Forster said: “As ever, an important part of being a head coach is not just the team I have on the field, but also the team off it.
“I’m very fortunate to have such a strong group around me, all with their own strengths and experiences.
“The work they do for the club and the measure of the people they are has also been proven with appointments alongside their club role within the international setups for both Wales and England.
“Every player, staff member and supporter plays a vital part in taking this club forward, so I’m delighted to have secured my backroom team for the 2025 season and beyond.”
