Loughborough Lightning have appointed Charlie Beckett to its coaching team ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The 28-year-old recently called time on a playing career that saw him make 187 senior professional appearances for Leicester Tigers, Gloucester Rugby, Jersey Reds, Ampthill Rugby Club, Eastwood Rugby Club (Sydney), Ealing Trailfinders and Doncaster Knights.
Beckett will take up position of assistant coach focusing on defence and forwards on a full-time basis from 1 August ahead of the 2024/25 Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby season, and the PWR Up Series that precedes it.
Born in Liverpool with his early rugby development coming at Waterloo Rugby Club and Merchant Taylors’ School, second row Beckett went on to captain England Under-18s to an undefeated season and also won an U20 Six Nations.
His leadership qualities shone throughout his rugby playing career, taking on the captaincy for Tigers Academy, Gloucester A League and for an Anglo-Welsh Cup fixture as well as for two seasons at Championship side Ampthill.
Alongside his stellar playing career, Beckett is also an experienced coach having first cut his teeth at Gloucester Rugby Junior Academy as forwards coach. He took on the co-head coach position at Cheltenham Tigers Women’s in 2017/18 before becoming forwards and defence coach with Jersey Royals.
In 2021/22, Beckett returned to Cheltenham Tigers as 2nd XV head coach, helping them win promotion and the following year, he was lead defence coach as Tigers’ 1st XV won the 2022/23 Women’s Championship.
“The facilities Lightning have are world-renowned and the squad is packed with world class players so I am excited to be joining and adding to what we already have here.”
Charlie Beckett
“Nathan Smith (head coach) and his team did a tremendous job last season in getting the side up from eighth to fifth in the league. The people that I spoke to said there was a lot of untapped potential here at Lightning and I think it is starting to come to the fore now.
“It is great for me to join a really ambitious and exciting project where there is so much potential for growth.”
Beckett also has strong connections in the women’s game through his sister Sarah, a Red Roses international who plays for PWR champions Gloucester-Hartpury.
Head coach Nathan Smith said: “We’re delighted to welcome Charlie on board and believe he is a great appointment for Lightning.
“He made the bold decision to retire from playing aged only 28 to focus on coaching having previously balanced coaching roles with his playing commitments for most of his career.
“Charlie is well versed in the women’s game through his time at Cheltenham Tigers which is extremely beneficial as we look to build on the progress we made in the 2023/24 season into the new campaign.”
