BATH & Wiltshire Romans have unveiled their new coaching team as the Corsham-based club aim to build on a successful debut season.

The Romans, who recently announced Corsham RFC’s Lacock Road home as their new base, have appointed the experienced John Fatiaki as head coach following the departure of player-head coach Tom Howley at the end of the last campaign.

Predominantly from a rugby union background, Fatiaki is currently head coach of Blandford RFC.

He has recruited Matthew Tatman as strength and conditioning coach and the duo will be assisted by Paul Riley and Rob Cryer.

Tatman is a Level 1 powerlifting coach, competing in Army Championships last year and is a physical training instructor trainee at Colerne Army camp.

Riley played for the Romans last year and was captain for a number of fixtures. He is currently assistant coach of the Royal Artillery and previously played for the Royal Artillery and British Army Rugby League sides.

Cryer played for Castleford Panthers and Townville Tigers before moving south, playing in the new University of the West of England side and becoming head coach of the University of Bath Broncos side.

The Romans won the West of England Challenge Cup, West Of England League, West of England Grand Final and were West of England 9s finalists and Harry Jepson Trophy semi-finalists.