Aspatria have appointed a new head coach following their relegation from Regional 2 North.
Glen Weightman will take over from Andy Brown as the Black Reds face up to life in the Counties 1 Cumbria League.
Brown resigned at the end of a challenging 2025/26 season for the Black Reds.
Weightman, 37, is well known on the Cumbrian rugby circuit having played for Keswick, Carlisle and Kendal as well as the county.
He is taking on his first head coaching role at Bower Park but was previously attack coach during his time at Kendal as a player.
Well known to most at Aspatria as an adversary in the colours of Carlisle, Kendal and Keswick, Weightman already has the respect of all at the Bower Park club, firstly through his performances on the pitch both for club and county, and secondly his principles and demeanour off it.
Former Aspatria coach Tom Borthwick is a member of the new rugby committee which also includes Jack Clegg, Andrew Miller and Phil Dixcon, with others likely to be co-opted in due course.
This group will focus entirely on teams and player development, with Derek Benson remaining in the coaching set-up with Weightman.
They will not be involved in the running of the club, which remains the responsibility of the general committee.
Borthwick said: “I’m delighted Glen is joining us at Aspatria. I have worked with him on a playing level at Kendal and believe he is the right fit for us.
“I fully expect the current squad and anyone looking to join us to buy in to what Glen will bring and I have no doubt the rugby will be enjoyable for all.
“As a rugby committee, we look forward to supporting Glen and his team, on and off the pitch.”
Plans are underway for pre-season with friendlies being arranged.
In the meantime, a players meeting is set for Thursday June 11 at 7pm for all current and new players to outline plans for the season ahead.
Weightman is also a talented cricketer and has started the current season for Keswick in outstanding form – already with back-to-back centuries to his name.
