Cois (pronounced Shwah) learned his rugby football in Johannesburg, mostly playing lock or in the back row. He studied at Stellenbosch University, and on graduation at the Millenium decided to see what other parts of the world were like. He first tried Wales, but was soon attracted to Ulster. Here he played at Ballymena and Belfast Harlequins, before being persuaded to join Donaghadee RFC as player/coach.

Almost the first thing Cois experienced at Donaghadee was a horrendous injury to his knee ligaments in a game at the beginning of last season. This took a year and a half of expert treatment, therapy and a lot of hard work on his part to give him the strength and mobility he knew he needed to play rugby again.

During these long months his contribution at the Donaghadee club has never been less than immense. Until recently this has of necessity been off the field. As a coach he is very knowledgeable, but with a player’s empathy for others’ limitations. He has brought some new strategies and other ideas to this ambitious club, building on the good work of his predecessors. The word about his methods and the accompanying success has brought some new players to Donaghadee. These men are determined to contribute to this success. The whole package is still not perfect; there is still plenty of work needed. But at the time of writing Donaghadee are at the top of Qualifying Section 2 having beaten five of their rivals in a tough league; they have scored 178 points and yielded only 64, and perhaps most importantly they are continuously improving.

Cois would be the first to admit that off the field he has been helped in his efforts to build an increased motivation among players by a great number of the club’s great enthusiasts, both behind the scenes and on the touchline every Saturday. This is perhaps not the place to name names. Many of these stalwarts, along with some key players, will have their moment in the spotlight at some later stage. Suffice it to say that many have played their part, striving each week for increasing excellence.

On the playing field Cois has made inspiring progress since his playing comeback in September this season. His superb use of his near-two-hundredweight frame and 6 feet four inch height has brought a new level of power and possession to the Donaghadee pack. His presence on the field also gives great encouragement to the forwards when they need it.

Cois’ long-term ambition is to keep developing as a coach, but his more immediate objective is to continue the undoubted improvement in Donaghadee’s performances. He is pleased with Donaghadee’s start to the season, with almost 200 points scored in only five league games. He well knows that it is still early days for this team. The Donaghadee express has stirred the hearts of their supporters so far this season, but momentum can sometimes suffer in the cold guttery part of a season’s track. Wheels can slip, but coach, captain and players are totally determined that Donaghadee’s wheels will never come off.

Cois is resolute that his strategy of team attack will continue, and in combination with the progressive improvement in defence this season will see the long-awaited climax of Donaghadee being promoted to Qualifying League 1 at the end of the season.