Cranleigh's new head of rugby

Phil Burgess (England and Great Britain Sevens player) joins Cranleigh School this September as the new Head of Rugby and 1st XV coach. He will be leading the rugby programme until the end of December before continuing his preparation for the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, with the GB Sevens Team.

Phil has played professional rugby for 11 years, firstly in the 15-aside game. In addition to signing professional terms for Harlequins after school, he studied at Loughborough University and captained the England Students side. Post University, he signed to play for the Cornish Pirates; after three successful seasons (two Championship final appearances and one Championship XV appearance Vs NZ Maori) he then joined the England Sevens squad in the 2013-14 season.

A back-row forward, Phil made his first HSBC Sevens World Series in 2013 and passed 50 tournaments at the 2019 HSBC London Sevens. In 2016 he was part of the Great Britain squad that claimed silver at the Rio Olympics, and he won silver at the Rugby Sevens World Cup in 2018 in addition to a bronze at the Commonwealth Games in the same year.

Mr Andy Houston, Director of Sport, said: 'I'm delighted that Phil has joined us at Cranleigh. What has impressed me the most about him is his passion and desire to instil the concept that developing great people is more important than just great rugby players. I am really excited about the impact he can have here.'

Phil Burgess added: 'I'm really excited about the opportunity to work at such a prestigious and successful school. I endeavour to bring the same passion and enjoyment I have as a player into my new role as a coach and I look forward to becoming part of the Cranleigh team.'