MANAGING DIRECTOR

Christian has worked in education for over 20 years, most recently with eight as Assistant Head of Fair Furlong Primary School in Withywood, Bristol.

Christian has extensive experience of supporting children who have had multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and has a strong grasp of the relationships necessary to enable children to thrive. He also has a great understanding of the current research into early childhood trauma and its subsequent impact on neurosequential development and applies this knowledge to develop interventions to help reverse the negative effect of ACEs on children in his care. Christian now works as the Managing Director for star* scheme, driven by his passion to achieve the best possible outcomes for the most vulnerable children.

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Following a rugby career at Oxford and Cambridge Universities where he was largely out of his depth (“Dan, all we need you to do is catch and tackle….” B. Mullin, former British Lion).

Dan completed his playing days with Chew Valley Vets. He began coaching his sons, Freddie and Joe, at Chew Valley in 2014 and, with his colleagues at Chew, conceived and created the star* scheme. Dan is now the Chair of Trustees for the star* scheme.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Nicholas is a specialist in grounded theory and is passionate about authentic research that captures authentic voice. Starting his teaching career in 2000, as an ex-Headteacher he is now CEO of Lighting up Learning and has worked in over 20 countries around the world, many post conflict. He is distils gin for The Clevedon Distillery.

FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Eloise studied Outdoor Education at Bristol College, where she developed a passion for imparting knowledge and fostering a love for outdoor sports. For several years, she dedicated herself to coaching children in various outdoor activities across the UK and Europe. Enrolling in multiple leadership courses and roles, building her experience.

A lifelong enthusiast of sports, Eloise's path led her back to her family's rugby club, Chew Valley RFC, at the age of 24. Despite having just one season of rugby under her belt, she quickly embraced the close-knit rugby community, wholeheartedly committing herself to volunteering. As a valuable member of the committee, Eloise now holds the positions of Sponsorship and Social Media Manager and is the youngest appointed Director while also contributing to the management of the ladies team.

Currently, Eloise channels her passion into her role at star* scheme, where she plays a crucial part in fundraising efforts and strives to amplify the organisation's impact by spreading awareness far and wide.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

I'm Anna and I'm the Operations Manager at star*.

I look after the things behind the scenes that make star* work.

I love working for star* because I'm a grown-up star* kid and I know first-hand the difference having a trusted adult makes.

It's a pleasure for me to provide the structures to assist our wonderful volunteers and coaches to be there for this generation of star* kids.

SOUTH WEST REGIONAL MANAGER

Sian studied sociology and psychology at university. From Welsh parents, Sian grew up in a tight-knit rugby community and is currently a mum to Olly and Nanci.

Upon hearing of the star* scheme, a Chew Valley RFC, Sian volunteered to help bridge the gap between the new star* programme and the player’s families and carers.

A year later she started working as the first star* regional manager, bringing her magic to all of our Bristol and Bath clubs.

Sian is the “mother” of star* guiding and helping all the new regional managers. As of January 2024, she has 29 clubs involved with the scheme.

NORTH WEST REGIONAL MANAGER

Tom, our regional manager at star* scheme, leads the rollout of star clubs in the North West. He collaborates with Sale Sharks Community Foundation, to enroll 25 star* children at 30 rugby clubs.

With 13 years working in education and 7 years working in international development, Tom is also one of our star* scheme trainers, delivering ACEs training nationwide.

He coaches an U10s team at Broughton Park (where he also played as a child), and believes in the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people.

Beyond work, Tom enjoys playing a range of sports, mountain walks, gardening and listening to his vinyl collection.

WALES REGIONAL MANAGER

Jonny, regional manager at Scarlets, is proud to be the first role of star* in Wales. He collaborates with Scarlets Community Foundation, to enrol 25 star* children at 10 clubs.

With 18 years working in education and rugby development within the region, he knows what a difference rugby can make to people.

Jonny is a level 3 coach / WRU coach educator with experience of coaching U7s through to seniors and has worked within the Scarlets Age grade pathway for 10 years. Beyond work, Jonny is sport-mad, unfortunately, a Manchester United fanatic & keen cricketer. He is hoping to make an immediate impact with star* within Wales.

EAST MIDLANDS REGIONAL MANAGER

Sam's career has spanned 22 years in Community Sports Development and has included local authority sport development, England Rugby and Loughborough University. He has recently moved to Star after 6 years in Operations with the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Sam has grown up in and around rugby as a player, coach and referee and saw the opportunity to combine his love and passion for the game and passion for supporting young people who would benefit from being involved in the game. 

Sam also has a passion for all things water and is a RNLI water safety advisor and regularly delivers water safety sessions in primary schools in Leicestershire. When he is not working for star or volunteering for the RNLI he is busy being a husband to Jen and to his two daughters who are 9 and 13 who are both involved in Sport.

LONDON REGIONAL MANAGER

Ellie is the regional manager for South London and is part of the Tackle London team, creating change for children in the London Boroughs.

Ellie has a degree in Sports Science and Business with the Open University and has 5 years working in sports development. Beginning her sports coaching at secondary school, she's also coached in local schools and SEND sports clubs. Now, Ellie is a partner of the Rugbytots Winchester LLP after working there for 4 years.

Coming from a family that fosters young people and one that loves sports (particularly rugby and netball), Ellie has a passion for making sports available for all!

LONDON REGIONAL MANAGER

Hi, I’m Jake and started working for star* this year after graduating from Durham University in the summer. I am playing semi-professional rugby for London Scottish RFC in the English Championship and am also doing a Masters in sport business and leadership at Loughborough University London.

As a rugby player, I am so aware of the incredible impact the sport can have on everyone involved. It’s something I feel that everyone should have to opportunity to access and that’s why I love working for star*.

Giving young people the opportunity to enjoy the sport we all love is priceless.

WEST MIDLANDS & GLOUCESTER REGIONAL MANAGER

Clarkson, our resident New Zealander here at star*. Having studied to become a primary school teacher in New Zealand, and then undertaking his postgraduate studies as a sports scholar at Durham University, Clarkson joined star* in September 2024 after three years working in community engagement and rugby development for Stourbridge Rugby Club and Bournville Rugby Club. 

Rugby has always played an instrumental role in Clarkson’s life, having progressed through the Counties Manukau and Auckland schoolboy systems and into the Counties Manukau Senior Academy, then over to the UK at just 20 years of age, and now settled at Bournville Rugby Club in Birmingham. His extensive experience in rugby has allowed Clarkson to see the long-lasting impact rugby can have on someone's life - whether a player, coach, official or volunteer.

Rugby has opened doors for Clarkson that he never could have imagined, and his passion is to do the same for young people and their families across the West Midlands & Gloucester.

REGIONAL MANAGER

Husband to Jo, and dad to Megan and Jack; Hubbs is the Regional Manager working with Rugby for Good in Australia.

Hubbs’s background is in community rugby both professionally and personally. He has worked in coach and player development for over 20 years in the RFU, been Head of Community at Worcester Warriors, and helped set up the mini junior section at his local club where he is chair for the section and coaches the U11s. He has been lucky enough to represent England at age grade level, coached internationally and played and coached England Touch adult age grade teams.

SOUTH WEST REGIONAL SUPPORT

Natalie, having graduated with a teaching degree, spent 20 years as a police officer with Avon and Somerset Constabulary working in Bristol. Her experiences working in Child Protection gave her an in depth knowledge of ACES and their impact on young people. She then went back to teaching primary aged children where she gained a deeper insight and is now working alongside Sian to link star* with schools in and around Bristol and Bath.

Outside of work, Natalie is a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

FUNDRAISING & EVENTS MANAGER

With a Marketing & Events background over many years, Rosie’s experience includes working for a number of national companies in both retail and leisure / food & beverage markets.

Rosie will be channelling her energy & experience into her star* role by organising key events throughout the year to maximise fundraising opportunities and raise awareness of star* scheme.

Rosie is a keen rugby spectator who has supported her 2 boys over many years, whilst playing both school and club rugby.

GRANTS & TRUSTS FUNDRAISER

ADVISOR

Having been a Headmaster of special schools for 20 years, Rich continues to be actively involved in rugby as a coach, centre manager & education lead for the Bristol Bears Rugby Academy. He is President of Old Bristolians RFC, where he is also the Safeguarding lead, and he is the Mental Health & Wellbeing Ambassador for the Gloucestershire RFU.

Rich puts at the centre of all his consultancy work the importance of the approach taken by teachers, parents, sports coaches and youth workers to enable young people to learn and develop resilience.

ADMIN ASSISTANT

After studying Law and graduating from Leeds University last summer, Ellie began working for star* this year. 

During her time at University, Ellie focused a lot of her attention and studies on victims of domestic violence and abuse. This has always been Ellie’s passion and in the future, she hopes to go into Family Law to continue her work in this field. 

Whilst working for star* Ellie has been supporting Tom in registering kids to play rugby in the North West. Ellie has found this rewarding as it’s given her the opportunity to see what an impact star* really does make on young lives.