DIRECTOR OF IMPACT

Nicholas helps navigate star* strategically. He leads on researching and reviewing our work, collating evidence and sharing impact. He has oversight on our projects, campaigns and fundraising and keeps everyone on the same page.

As a doctoral specialist in constructionist grounded theory Nicholas is passionate about authentic research that captures authentic voices and lived experiences. Starting his teaching career in 2000, as an ex-Headteacher, he is now Director of educational CIC: Learning Everywhere. He has also worked in over 20 countries around the world, many post conflict.

He is also Master Distiller at The Clevedon Distillery.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY & REGIONAL MANAGER: NORTH WEST

Tom is all about community and partnerships, and leads on this for star*. He looks after the efficiency of the team and cultivates partnerships with national bodies and regional offices such as the Police, NHS and Social Services. He liaises with religions and faith groups to understand their needs. With 13 years working in education and 7 years working in international development, he is well placed to be our Safeguarding Lead.

As well as a director, Tom is also Regional Manager in the North West, and is particularly passionate about a pilot project, Rugby Reset, a collaboration to divert vulnerable young people out of street gangs and knife gangs into community rugby.

He coaches an U10s team at Broughton Park (where he also played as a child), and believes in the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people.

Beyond work, Tom enjoys playing a range of sports, mountain walks, gardening and listening to his vinyl collection.

DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & REGIONAL MANAGER: SOUTH WEST

Sian Team looks after our team’s well being as well as the training and supporting our grassroots volunteers. She leads on establishing our Young Volunteers and the Young Peoples’ Board. Her inherent nurturing nature, means she is well placed to support our more complex families and co-manages the Regional Managers.

Sian studied sociology and psychology at university and grew up in a tight-knit rugby community. She has been part of star* since the beginning. Upon hearing of the star* scheme, a Chew Valley RFC, Sian volunteered to help bridge the gap between the new star* programme and players’ families and carers. A year later she started working as the first star* regional manager, bringing her magic to all of our Bristol and Bath clubs.

Sian is Mum to Olly and Nanci, as well as as a Rugby mum to so many other young people.

CHARITY MANAGER

Anna looks after everything behind the scenes that make star* work. She is focused on making us more efficient and effective. She manages the day-to-day activity of the team including procedures, protocols and policies.

Anna is currently looking at improving all out internal systems and communication streams. With the challenges of the most working remotely across the country, the way we collaborate is essential. She is also Clerk to the Trustees and helps hold everyone to task.

She loves working for star* because she is a grown-up star* child and knows first-hand the difference having a trusted adult makes.

GIFTs (Grants, Investments, Foundations & Trusts)

Kelly plays a key role in securing funding for the vital work we do with young people. With a background in tech and telecoms, Kelly has a knack for making complex ideas clear, which she uses to create compelling grant proposals. 

Kelly is a recent Masters graduate in History of Art from the University of Bristol, and she has an eye for detail and a talent for storytelling. Her experience as a teaching assistant supporting children with SEN has taught her the importance of supporting every young person’s unique needs.

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys volunteering at the Holburne Museum, indulging her love of art, or unwinding with a good book, live music, or her vinyl collection. After moving to the West Country with her family, she’s learning to navigate the local rugby scene, although the rules remain a mystery!

FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Eloise studied Outdoor Education at Bristol College, where she developed a passion for imparting knowledge and fostering a love for outdoor sports. For several years, she dedicated herself to coaching children in various outdoor activities across the UK and Europe. Enrolling in multiple leadership courses and roles, building her experience.

A lifelong enthusiast of sports, Eloise's path led her back to her family's rugby club, Chew Valley RFC, at the age of 24. Despite having just one season of rugby under her belt, she quickly embraced the close-knit rugby community, wholeheartedly committing herself to volunteering. As a valuable member of the committee, Eloise now holds the positions of Sponsorship and Social Media Manager and is the youngest appointed Director while also contributing to the management of the ladies team.

Currently, Eloise channels her passion into her role at star* scheme, where she plays a crucial part in finance, fundraising and social media and strives to amplify the organisation's impact by spreading awareness far and wide.

REGIONAL MANAGER: WALES

Jonny, based out of Scarlets Rugby, is proud to be the first of star* Regional Manager in Wales. He collaborates with Scarlets Community Foundation, to enroll 25 star* children at 10 clubs.

With 18 years working in education and rugby development within the region, he knows what a difference rugby can make to people.

Jonny is a level 3 coach / WRU coach educator with experience of coaching U7s through to seniors and has worked within the Scarlets Age grade pathway for 10 years.

Beyond work, Jonny is sport-mad, unfortunately, a Manchester United fanatic & keen cricketer. He is hoping to make an immediate impact with star* within Wales.

REGIONAL MANAGER: LONDON

Ellie is Regional Manager for South London and is part of the Tackle London team, creating change for children in the London boroughs.

Ellie has a degree in Sports Science and Business with the Open University and has 5 years working in sports development. Beginning her sports coaching at secondary school, she's also coached in local schools and SEND sports clubs. Now, Ellie is a partner of the Rugbytots Winchester LLP after working there for 4 years.

Coming from a family that fosters young people and one that loves sports (particularly rugby and netball), Ellie has a passion for making sports available for all!

REGIONAL MANAGER: MIDLANDS

Clarkson, our resident New Zealander here at star*, our Regional Manager for the Midlands. Having studied to become a primary school teacher in New Zealand, and then undertaking his postgraduate studies as a sports scholar at Durham University, Clarkson joined star* in September 2024 after three years working in community engagement and rugby development for Stourbridge Rugby Club and Bournville Rugby Club. 

Rugby has always played an instrumental role in Clarkson’s life, having progressed through the Counties Manukau and Auckland schoolboy systems. From there he moved into Counties Manukau Senior Academy, then over to the UK at just 20 years of age; now settled at Bournville Rugby Club in Birmingham. His extensive experience in rugby has allowed Clarkson to see the long-lasting impact rugby can have on someone's life - whether a player, coach, official or volunteer.

Rugby has opened doors for Clarkson that he never could have imagined, and his passion is to do the same for young people and their families across the Midlands.

DIRECTOR’S ASSISTANT

Natalie is the Director’s right hand and works very closely with Sian to support families, volunteers and clubs in the South West.

Natalie, having graduated with a teaching degree, spent 20 years as a police officer with Avon and Somerset Constabulary working in Bristol. Her experiences working in Child Protection gave her an in depth knowledge of ACES and their impact on young people. She then went back to teaching primary aged children where she gained a deeper insight into the complexities of socio-cultural challenges and deprivation.

Outside of work, Natalie is a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

EVENTS

With a Marketing & Events background over many years, Rosie’s experience includes working for a number of national companies in both retail and leisure / food & beverage markets.

Rosie will be channeling her energy & experience into her star* role by organising key events throughout the year to maximise fundraising opportunities and raise awareness of star* scheme.

Rosie is a keen rugby spectator who has supported her 2 boys over many years, whilst playing both school and club rugby.

VOLUNTEER REGIONAL MANAGER: LONDON

Hi, I’m Jake and started working for star* this year after graduating from Durham University in the summer. I am playing semi-professional rugby for London Scottish RFC in the English Championship and am also doing a Masters in sport business and leadership at Loughborough University London.

As a rugby player, I am so aware of the incredible impact the sport can have on everyone involved. It’s something I feel that everyone should have to opportunity to access and that’s why I love working for star*.

Giving young people the opportunity to enjoy the sport we all love is priceless.

REGIONAL MANAGER: NEW SOUTH WALES

Husband to Jo, and dad to Megan and Jack; Hubbs is the Regional Manager working with Rugby for Good in Australia.

Hubbs’s background is in community rugby both professionally and personally. He has worked in coach and player development for over 20 years in the RFU, been Head of Community at Worcester Warriors, and helped set up the mini junior section at his local club where he is chair for the section and coaches the U11s. He has been lucky enough to represent England at age grade level, coached internationally and played and coached England Touch adult age grade teams.

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Following a rugby career at Oxford and Cambridge Universities where he was largely out of his depth (“Dan, all we need you to do is catch and tackle….” B. Mullin, former British Lion).

Dan completed his playing days with Chew Valley Vets. He began coaching his sons, Freddie and Joe, at Chew Valley in 2014 and, with his colleagues at Chew, conceived and created the star* scheme. Dan is now the Chair of Trustees for the star* scheme.

ADVISOR

Having been a Headmaster of special schools for 20 years, Rich continues to be actively involved in rugby as a coach, centre manager & education lead for the Bristol Bears Rugby Academy. He is President of Old Bristolians RFC, where he is also the Safeguarding lead, and he is the Mental Health & Wellbeing Ambassador for the Gloucestershire RFU.

Rich puts at the centre of all his consultancy work the importance of the approach taken by teachers, parents, sports coaches and youth workers to enable young people to learn and develop resilience.