Stocksbridge RUFC

"With over 50 years experience as player, coach, mentor, & administrator, local man, & Stocksbridge Rugby club legend Dave 'franny' Francis has been voted by the Yorkshire Clubs to represent the region on England Rugby’s top table.

Dave was the President of Yorkshire RFU last season & as he stepped down, a vacancy on the RFU Council Board became available. Nominated by clubs in the County, Dave easily won the vote, and started his three-year tenure last month.

It was as a 15-year-old that Dave joined Stocksbridge RUFC, & made his 1st team debut at 16. Encouraged by the club, he moved on to play senior first-class rugby at Sheffield and Rotherham over the next ten years

As the knocks started to take toll, Dave returned to Junior first class rugby, joining Sheffield Oaks as a player / coach. Success followed with two league promotions, & the Yorkshire Shield. He returned to his home town club, and continued coaching the 1st XV to one of their most successful periods, gaining three promotions & a notable Yorkshire Silver Trophy success.

After hanging his boots up, Representative Coaching beckoned & over the next twenty years, Francis coached his County & England North Divisional teams at U18, as well as the Academies at Leeds, Rotherham & Doncaster.

Having worked for the RFU for over 25 years in the Coach Education department, he is well known & respected around the county, at all levels.

When asked for a comment, Dave said “ the game has given me lots of great opportunities over many years. I have travelled the world coaching highly talented players from Yorkshire, & I am proud of being involved in setting up the player development programme for 15 to 18 year olds, both boys & girls. This important role on the Sports National Governing Body, gives me the opening to improve the game and how it's administered”"

Written by Dave Francis 

Photo - Dave Francis @ Twickenham HQ