Hutchinson at the helm of Sandel Lodge

Having taken on the role of President of Coleraine Rugby Football, Cricket and Hockey Club, Andrew is looking forward to his time in office during the club’s 99th year, a position he holds with great pride.

“I have had a lifetime association with Coleraine,” said Andrew. “It is with immense pride that I was elected and it is a huge honour for me to become President of this great club.

“I come into my new role in very difficult circumstances for everyone associated with sport. None of us know what the immediate future holds, when or if life will return to what we once considered normal.”

Hutchinson’s connection with Coleraine began 34 years ago when he started out in the club’s mini rugby section.

“I played mini rugby in the first couple of years when it was introduced at Coleraine and then through the club after that,” he added. “When I was 19-years old I played dual for a year at both Coleraine and Dungannon.

“I remember that year Dungannon had a relegation match they had to win and they wanted me to play. Coleraine were also in the Towns Cup final on the same day so I played for Coleraine and we won beating Holywood.

“I had three years at Dungannon and really enjoyed my time there playing AIL rugby before I returned to Coleraine.

“I played on the First XV for nine years, captaining them for two. We won the league two out of three years and also got to the All Ireland round robin playoffs. During that time I also played for Junior Ulster for three seasons, captaining them in 2000.

“Unfortunately, it took its toll and I stopped playing after I had knee surgery. That combined with work and family commitments led me to the decision to call time on my playing career.”

Although Coleraine Rugby Club hasn’t enjoyed the same level of success in recent times, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with a particular focus being put on youth.

“When the Coronavirus pandemic led to all sport being cancelled or postponed we were very close to the bottom when the league was declared null and void,” explained Andrew. “Some would say we dodged a bullet and they were probably right. That was the wakeup call we needed and we have upped our game and our recruitment has been really good.

“Our coaches Brian Hughes and ex-Ulster player Ashley Blair have been working hard alongside our captain David Greatorex.

“We have signed a lot of Coleraine players who either hadn’t played for a season or two or are returning from other clubs, they have rallied players and it has been a big, big effort.

“We have had a remarkable resurgence in our youth section. Paul Forbes our Youth Convenor and Benjy Van der Byl have done an amazing job and the section is booming.

“We are putting our emphasis on youth and recruiting young players, they are the future of the club and we are focusing on driving the youth system.

“There has been a lot of effort put into the Pathways programme linking from the Grammar school to the youth section. In the past too many left Inst and went straight to the likes of Ballymena, City of Derry etc, and now we have the links in place.

“We have already signed seven or eight players from the school which hasn’t happened for years. Some of these lads will head off to university but when they are home at Christmas etc, they will play for the club.

“We are putting the emphasis on building the youth section and then converting the youth section to the senior section.”

Despite the current situation, the buzz and great atmosphere has returned to Sandel Lodge, something Hutchinson is exceptionally proud of.

“There’s great club spirit at the moment. I have been down at the club with my 17-year old son Tom painting along with a great group of people. Unfortunately the staff is furloughed at the moment because there is no income coming in but we have a great team of volunteers keeping the grounds tidy, the grass cut, benches varnished and painting the outside of the club. The volunteer offerings really are quite remarkable. We are all looking forward to a time when the teams will be back out playing again. These are very uncertain times but things can change quickly but you can be sure that we will be ready to hit the ground running when we are given the go ahead. As a club we have galvanised and the togetherness across all sections is the best I have ever seen.

“The hockey section is the shining light of the club - they are winning leagues and their numbers are so big. They are an inspiration and I think we are all aspiring to be like them. Last year they affiliated to the club and we are now Coleraine Rugby Football, Cricket and Hockey Club.

“I am certain the different sections will pull on the Coleraine jersey and represent the club with pride and passion as we all come together to make the town proud of all our sports and teams. We are indeed a truly community-based club where everyone is made welcome - our doors are always open.”