RUGBY: Former Raider Ben is loving life at Hove

In his first season in a player-coaching role, Hove are very much in the hunt for promotion. There is also optimism among club members that Hove would be able to hold their own in a higher league.

Coulson's impact was summed up by past president and captain Richard Lewis, who has a 50-year association with the club.

He said: "Ben is still a quality player and he's brought a lot of experience to Hove. Tactically, he's very astute and I'm sure he's going to prove the making of our club."

Coulson, who works with Hove's two other coaches, Gary Henderson and Martin Mactaggart, modestly plays down his contribution to Hove's encouraging start to the season.

He said: "When I started, the expectation on me was to train hard with the backs and progress them as rugby players. I like to think that I have added some value to the team. I'm loving it as there are so many challenges '“ not least having to learn how to manage myself in addition to coaching."

Coulson, who was Raiders' leading points scorer with 175 last season, would not be human if part of him did not wish that he was in the boots of the young members of Worthing's National League team. But he realises that moving to Hove has extended his playing days, as well as helping him plan his long-term future.

He said: "One more season at Worthing might have been possible. But, at the moment, I have an ideal life as 60 per cent of my working life is teaching sport and PE at Worthing College, and the other 40 per cent coaching rugby.

"So, not only is this giving me coaching experience but also the chance to decide whether I want to teach full-time or concentrate on being a rugby coach.

"There is certainly a distinct difference in skills and fitness levels from what I was used to at Worthing through trying to balance coaching with playing.

"It did take time to adjust and I'm sure that if I can avoid injuries, I can continue playing for another year or two."

Worthing and Haywards Heath will obviously be favourites to win the Sussex Knockout Cup if they are allowed to enter their first teams. If they are not, Coulson is optimistic about Hove's chances.

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