Diss Rugby Club appoint Alex Kelsall as new head coach as Clive Bell departs

Diss Rugby Club have announced the appointment of Alex Kelsall as the side’s new men’s first-team head coach to replace Clive Bell.

The RFU Advanced Level 3 qualified coach spent his youth playing at Diss, and has also been head coach of the Eastern Counties’ Under-17s side.

“We’re exceptionally pleased,” said Diss chairman Stephen Drake, who took over from Andy Jermy at the club’s AGM in May.

“He’s played for us as a lad so it’s nice to have somebody back involved with the club that has an affinity to the club.

“He comes highly recommended and we’re thrilled to bits.”

Kelsall arrives after the club chose not to renew previous coach Clive Bell’s contract, which expired following the 2023/24 campaign.

The former Ipswich YM boss joined the Mackenders outfit in January 2023 and took Diss to an eighth-placed finish in the Counties 1 Eastern Counties last season.

“Clive presided over last season and he did very well,” said Drake.

“His contract came to an end and we decided we would make a change.”