Olly Robinson appointed as Head of Rugby
Collegiate School is delighted to announce the appointment of Olly Robinson as their next Head of Rugby. Mr Robinson’s experience of playing and coaching at the highest level, and his vision for the future of rugby for both boys and girls at the Bristol school, saw him emerge from a very strong field.
Robinson brings a wealth of experience to the post following a distinguished career as a professional rugby player.
Having played for top-tier clubs Bristol Bears, Cardiff Blues and Leicester Tigers, he has contributed to teams winning the European Challenge Cup, the Gallagher Premiership and the RFU Championship.
He has also developed extensive coaching expertise throughout his career, with spells at Cardiff and Vale College, the University of South Wales and the University of Bristol - not forgetting a brief, and very impressive, period as a coach at Collegiate in 2023.
The links with Collegiate don’t end there – Olly’s father, Andy, was Head of Sport at the school between 1994-96, where he masterminded the school’s consecutive Daily Mail National Cup wins, before being appointed Head Coach at Bath Rugby and going on to take charge of the England national side from 2004 to 2006, the Scotland team between 2009 and 2012, as well as leading British Lions tours to Australia in 2001 and New Zealand in 2005. Andy was Clive Woodward’s assistant when England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003.
Olly said: “I am delighted to be joining Collegiate School as Head of Rugby. The school is especially meaningful to me, having lived on site as a child when my dad worked here, and I feel privileged to contribute to the school’s proud and rich rugby history.
“I am excited to support every student to achieve and expand their potential both on and off the pitch, whilst aiming to inspire a lasting enjoyment of the game.”
Olly is also passionate about building on the school's proud tradition of developing international and professional players, whilst ensuring every student - regardless of experience and perceived ability - has the opportunity to enjoy, develop and thrive within the sport of rugby.
Head of Collegiate School, Mr Jeremy McCullough, said: “We were fortunate to attract a very strong field of candidates and were delighted to have had direct input in the process from Bristol Bears. What really impressed us all was Olly’s determination and desire to pass on his knowledge and experience in the game to our next generation of players, helping to improve their understanding of, and love for, the game of rugby. This combination of leader and educator is a strong one and we look forward to seeing him in action soon.”
Director of Sport at Collegiate, Mr Rhys Gwilliam, said: “Olly brings with him a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the game, which will not only develop and challenge our elite performers, but will engage with - and motivate - our youngest students and those beginning their rugby adventure.”
Mr Robinson will officially begin his appointment as Head of Rugby at Collegiate with pre-season training in August, ahead of the start of the new school year in September.
Fact File
- Former Collegiate pupils who have gone on to perform at the highest rugby level include: Tom Varndell, Jordan Crane, Olly Barkley, Lee Mears and Alan Morley. Amber Reed and Laura Keates are both World Cup winners for England and Gemma Rowland has played both 7s and 15-a-side for Wales.
- Olly follows in the illustrious footsteps of former Heads of Rugby at Collegiate, such as Andy Robinson, Alan Martinovic and Girvan Dempsey.
- Collegiate’s U14 side reached the National Rugby Cup Final in 2024.
- The school currently has 8 students within the elite section of the Bristol Bears Academy.
Olly Robinson Head of Rugby
