Scaysbrook offers helping hand

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs forward James Scaysbrook is to broaden his coaching credentials by helping out at Championship side Plymouth Albion.

The 32-year-old is to combine his day-to-day playing duties with the Chiefs by assisting as defence coach at the Brickfields.

With Albion struggling at the foot of the division, head coach James Shanahan hopes the experience and guile of Scaysbrook could prove crucial as they look to pull clear of the drop-zone.

Scaysbrook, who joined the Chiefs in 2009 from Bath, has amassed over 100 appearances for the Devon club and was part of their squad that won 36-10 at La Rochelle on Thursday night.

Keen to develop his coaching skills, the Birmingham-born ace has worked previously with Exeter University and this season has been helping out alongside former Bath and Exeter team-mate, Ryan Davis, at Cleve.

Looking ahead to his role at Albion, Scaysbrook said: “Coaching is a long-term thing for me, so to go down to Plymouth is a great opportunity for me. The Championship is tough, I know that from when I played in it with Exeter, and it’s the same for coaches, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

With a number of young Chiefs already at the Brickfields on dual-registered terms, Scaysbrook admits it will be nice to have a few familiar faces within the ranks.

“It’s alway nice when you know people as it makes you feel a bit more comfortable in that environment,” he said. “Hopefully, we can instigate a few changes and get some good things happening over the next few months."

Having yet to win in the Championship this season, Albion know they need to start producing results to preserve their status.

“We’ve got a bit of work to do,” said Scaysbrook. “But they’ve started to pick up over the last few weeks, so hopefully me coming in can give the lads a bit of energy and a few different ideas.”