AS a scrum half, Simon Finnan was used to playing the pivotal role between forwards and backs.

Now that he has hung up his boots, he is carrying out a similar role - only this time it is between the junior and senior sections at Burnley Rugby Club.

For the senior head coach - who has come up through the ranks at the Holden Road club - has recently been appointed chairman of the junior section.

Finnan, who suffered a career-ending injury last season, takes over from John Richmond and will look to carry on his hard work. And, with a foot in each camp, Finnan will aim to continue and improve the ‘one club’ environment.

“It’s a great honour to be voted to lead the junior section and follow the great work John Richmond has done for the last four years.” said Finnan.

“My role is develop the juniors, keep parents and children informed what’s happening and then report to the seniors when we have committee meeting so everyone is in a ‘one club’ environment.

“It means everyone knows what is going on and this is what we want to continue so we grow together.”

Finnan, 39, has been with the club for more than 30 years apart from one year when he went travelling in Australia, taking in the Sydney 2000 Olympics and fitting in some training sessions at Byron Bay - who are a similar standard to Burnley - and Randwick Sydney.

Even when he studied at the University of Humberside in Hull he would travel back every weekend to play.

“Apart from that one year, I’ve been with the club since I was nine-years-old,” said Finnan who guided the first XV to promotion last season. “Even when I studied, the pull of the club had me travelling every weekend when I was away at university.

“I have been with the club for a very long time, from mini rugby to juniors and in to the senior ranks. So this appointment gives me the chance to put something back in to the junior section.”

Finnan will continue to fulfil both roles, coaching the seniors and running the first XV who will play in the North Lancs/Cumbria Division next season as well as his junior section responsibilities.

But thanks to a dedicated team of junior coaches and a strong committee, Finnan says he will have plenty of assistance.

“Both roles are demanding, however over the course of the week, all those rolls can be juggled,” he said.

“And to be honest, with the injury ending my playing days, I don’t need to concentrate on staying really fit to run around with the youngsters!”

Finnan, who is also community coach for Burnley and responsible for working with schools in the borough, will have more of an overview rather than hands on role with the juniors.

He said: “The club have some very good junior coaches and with more parents willing to help, whether coaching or other supporting roles. I’m there to support them and coach as and when needed, offer some new ideas and generally build so all youngsters feel welcome.”

Burnley Rugby Club will hold a taster morning on Sunday (10am-12noon) for six to 16-year-olds who are interested in playing the sport.

And Finnan says it is an ideal opportunity for youngsters to get a chance to try out the sport.

“It will be a great chance to meet relevant coaches, throw a rugby ball round in a fun and enjoyable way,” he said. “At the same time, we will speak to all parents new and old to discuss our hopes for the new season.”

Finnan says his role as community coach will also benefit both parties.

“I think they will marry one another,” he said. “When a delivery is done in schools, any potential new player, once a parent makes contact, it gives them the chance to come to the club and meet their specific age groups and its parents and guardians much needed early information about the club.”

With the first XV winning promotion and the junior section thriving, Finnan says these are exciting times for the club.

“This coming season, the juniors will be able to welcome all ages both boys and girls all the way to 16 years of age,” said Finnan.

“And for the first time in three years, we will be running a Junior Colts team and all new players would be welcome at this age.”

For details contact Simon Finnan on 07988 122186.