After five seasons as 1st XV Coach Matt 'Cheeks' Cappell steps down from coaching the WHEATS to move nearer to his work & partner in Northamptonshire.

Cheeks has been an excellent appointment filled with many highs (and the odd low). He’ll be sorely missed but leaves the club with his head held high and with many friends from his support, dedication and love of the club.

Many people at the club were deeply saddened by Cheeks' fathers passing back in 2019 as his post-match chilli was enjoyed by one and all around the league and both Cappell's will be remembered by many as honorary Wheats boys.

On leaving his role at the club, Cheeks had this to say This is not the way I wanted the journey to end but I suppose there have been bigger things going on in the world to worry about than retaining a cup & gaining promotion. This season has been stop-start (mainly stop) and I took the decision to step down so the club could find another coach that would enable to club to give a new coach time to prepare for next season.

I’ve had some great times both coaching and playing for the Wheats and the club have supported me through the good, and the not so good. I would like to pass on my thanks to both Wrighty and Dean for the faith they have shown in me and also the lads for getting stuck in when needed.

No doubt the club will smash the double next year and I wish everyone all the success in the future

Cheeks guided the club to the Warwickshire Vase in 2018/19 season with a demolition against local rivals Coventrians RFC, but also he was responsible for getting the WHEATS relegated from Mids 3 the season before. ;)

Co-Chairman Paul Wright commented on Cheeks departure "Cheeks was an example of the club giving a young, ambitious coach the platform to grow & develop and despite the relegation we believe he is leaving the club a better coach but also the club in a better place given the circumstances. I'd like to go on the record to thank Cheeks for his hard work and dedication to the club; the club can be called home for him whenever he returns to the city”.

Co-Chair Dean Bryant added “Cheeks has been pivotal in helping us to evolve the culture and ethos of the club, he has encouraged players families to come along on match days and has made them feel part of the club. His hard work in constantly encouraging people to play rugby and drive the club forward off the field has been first class. We will all miss him on a Saturday afternoon, albeit referees will be spared from his interpretation of the laws. As a club we’re looking forward to starting the next chapter and plan to continue our drive to ensure everyone feels welcome and enjoys themselves”

Best of luck Cheeks, and remember, once a Wheat, always a Wheat

The club are looking to fill the paid vacancy and would encourage any willing candidates to apply via the contact button above or by sending a CV to oldwheatleyans@gmail.com