We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Webley as our new Director of Sport. Tom will take up the position at the start of the Summer term. Tom joins us with over two decades of experience, most recently serving as Director of Sport at Wells Cathedral School. His career includes significant leadership roles such as Assistant Head of Lower School, Head of Academic PE, and Director of Cricket at Merchant Taylors’ School, as well as Head of Physical Education at Kimbolton School. Before moving into education, Tom enjoyed an impressive professional playing career with Somerset County Cricket Club.
We are also delighted to welcome Mike Friday as Director of Rugby. A former England Sevens captain, Mike enjoyed a distinguished 15-a-side playing career with Wasps RFC and Harlequins FC before establishing himself as one of the most respected coaches in world rugby. Renowned for his energy and his ability to develop players to reach their full potential, Mike has helped nurture numerous England internationals. He is equally respected for his commitment to mentoring young people, instilling character, humility and resilience alongside rugby excellence. We look forward to the significant impact he will have on our rugby programme and, most importantly, on the development of our boys as both players and young men.
In his role as Director of Rugby, Mike will work alongside Master-in-Charge of Rugby, Alex Griffith-Jones, to shape the strategic direction of rugby across the School. He will coach both the XV and the 1st VII, promote a lifelong enjoyment of the game, and support Harrow’s broad and inclusive 20-team rugby programme.
Mike will also collaborate closely with teaching staff to deliver a consistent and effective coaching philosophy across all age groups. Drawing on his extensive elite performance experience, he will support players aspiring to progress to higher levels of the game, while contributing to the identification and recruitment of talented young rugby players at 13+ and 16+ entry points.
Read more about the sporting mindset in our latest blog.