Clemson Adds Two New Coaches

Aug 19, 2008 The Clemson men's rugby team has announced two new additions to its coaching staff for the upcoming season. Joining the team are tight five specialist Zach Hunt, and backs coach Nigel Platt.Platt and Hunt join strength and conditioning coach Paul Goldstein and head coach Wright Henry.

"I am very excited about coach Hunt and coach Platt joining the team," comments Henry. “Their experience will allow us to give more focus to individuals as well as improve upon the set pieces and the overall team dynamic."

Zach Hunt comes to the team after an unfortunate shoulder injury sidelined his playing career. Hunt began playing at the University of Cincinnati before joining the Cincinnati Kelts and finally the Greenville Griffins. Along the way, he earned representative honors with the Ohio All-Stars and the South All-Stars. Hunt's experience in the front row will immediately help shore up lineouts and scrums.

Nigel Platt brings a long playing, coaching and refereeing career to Clemson as a backs coach. Platt's impressive CV includes time as the Georgia Rugby Union Collegiate Director, the GRU U19 and collegiate men's head coach, the South Collegiate men's head coach, as well as the former head coach at Clemson.

Platt began his playing career in 1972 at Henry Box school in England and played for five club teams and two representative sides before coming to the United States in 1992. He is certified as a Level II RFU coach and a Level III USA Rugby coach, as well as a Level I USA Rugby referee. Platt's considerable talent and experience will focus the backline attacks and counter attacks.

Clemson will open the season on Friday, September 5th at 7pm against Lander University.