Jonny Goodridge joins coaching team at Worcester Warriors Three Pears Academy

Former Gloucester, Leeds Carnegie and Bristol full-back Jonny Goodridge has been appointed the new backs transition coach of Worcester Warriors’ Three Pears Warriors Academy.

Goodridge will arrive at Sixways from Championship club Hartpury, where he was backs coach as replacement for Gordon Ross, who left the club last month and who has now been appointed backs coach of Guinness Pro-14 side Dragons.

Goodridge, 39, had six seasons with Gloucester and three with Leeds before a season-long stint with Esher and two with Bristol in the Championship, where he worked with Warriors’ new attack and backs coach Matt Sherratt, before he moved into coaching.

Having begun coaching with Bristol Academy and Community Foundation while he was still playing, Goodridge then worked as director of rugby at Christ College in Brecon and joined Hartpury, initially as coach of their successful Under-18s side, four years ago.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Jonny into this role and look forward to him starting with us,” said Mike Hall, Three Pears Warriors Academy Manager.

“What made him the ideal candidate for the role was his variety of playing and coaching experience.

“He played in both the Premiership and Championship, has coached Academy age-group teams, been Director of Rugby in a school and is currently involved in coaching at Championship level with Hartpury.

“Many of the senior Academy players worked closely with him last season whilst on dual registration at Hartpury and had very positive things to say about him as a person and a coach.

“He has also coached with Matt Sherratt before, so to have him helping with the skill development work of the whole squad will be a real asset to the coaching group.

“I’d also like to thank Gordon Ross for his contribution over the last five years. He has played a pivotal role developing some of the fine young players who will be a big part of Warriors’ future.

“The four backs we are recruiting this year from our Under-18s - Ollie Wynn, Fin Smith, Seb Atkinson and Harry Spencer - would all point to the impact Gordon has had on them as people and players to help them get to where they are today.

“I would like to wish Gordon well and every success in his new role with the Dragons.”

Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons is delighted to have secured the services of Goodridge as an experienced coach to replace Ross.

He said: “Having alignment and synergy in our coaching team is very important.

“Jonny has already worked with Matt Sherratt during their time together at Bristol so they already have a good working relationship.

“We believe that Jonny will work well with Mike Hall and Mike Hill, the academy forwards transition coach, in developing the outstanding crop of talented youngsters in our academy.

“Gordon Ross has played a significant part in bringing players through from our successful Under-18s side into the academy and we thank him for his valuable contribution.

“I’m delighted that Gordon has got the opportunity to coach at senior level and I have no doubt that he will be successful in his new role at Dragons.

“We wish Gordon all the best for the future and he will always be welcome here at Sixways.”

Hartpury director of rugby John Barnes paid tribute to Goodridge’s contribution to the Gloucestershire club.

“Jonny has been brilliant at Hartpury,” Barnes said, “Firstly, with his Under-18s role and then moving into his senior position as backs coach for the Championship side.

“His work ethic and desire to improve players is second to none. We are disappointed to lose him but, as with our players, we are a place built on developing and improving individuals, moving them into the Premiership/professional environment.

“Jonny is another success of Hartpury and we wish him all the best.”

Photo caption: Jonny Goodridge.