Sandal appoint new backs coach after Hodson hangs up boots
Sandal RUFC have appointed Joe Potter as their new backs player-coach for the 2026-27 season.
A proven operator with National League experience, Potter adds quality, game understanding and leadership to the group.
Primarily a fly-half, but equally comfortable at centre and full-back, Sandal are hoping his versatility and decision-making will be huge next season when the club once again competes in the Regional North One East.
He will be combining playing with coaching as the side aim to improve on their seventh place finish in the campaign recently finished.
He said: “I’m really excited to be joining the club as a player-coach.
"The vision for the future is incredibly promising and it’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of.
"I’m looking forward to bringing National League experience to the squad and working together to drive a successful season.”
Director of rugby Tim Wicks said: “Joe is somebody we’ve been tracking for the last few seasons.
"He’s an accomplished back with five years National League experience and real versatility across 10, 12 and 15.
"Just as importantly, he understands the game and how to develop players around him. A great acquisition for the club and exactly the type of person we want driving standards as we push forward.”
Sandal, meanwhile, have thanked Tom Hodson for his services as he has hung up his boots after returning to the club two seasons ago.
He leaves having helped keep the club at Regional One level and with a Yorkshire Cup in the trophy cabinet.
Joining as a player-coach, Hodson has made a big impact on and off the field, racking up over 300 points across his time back at the club where it all started for him.
A club spokesperson said: “From everyone at Sandal, we wish Tom and his family all the very best for the future – and we look forward to seeing him back down at the club, this time enjoying it from the sidelines.”
Sandal have made another appointment as they have announced Scarlett Thomas Thompson as the head coach of the girls academy for the 2026-2027 season.
A young but experienced coach, she impressed during the recruitment process and is highly regarded in girls rugby.
Scarlett is a current Yorkshire PDG assistant coach and has just been announced as the Yorkshire Girls PDG Coach of the Year.
With experience as a head coach at academy age grade rugby as well as experience at Durham PDG, Sandal were impressed with Scarlett’s development philosophy and focus on player welfare.
The announcement marks the start of the club’s ambitious academy plans at the club over the next three years.