Atlanta Old White RFC Release
Atlanta Old White RFC is pleased to introduce the coaching staff for the 2018-2019 campaign. Head Coach and Director of High Performance, Francesco Balsas leads the high-caliber unit; which features homegrown talent and experienced high-level rugby talent. Coach Francesco returns for his 5th season (15th year with AOW) as manager of AOW’s D2 program and welcomes back Justin ‘Telly’ Chappell (6th year with AOW) to lead the D3 team. Joining them on staff are a few new faces to the program, in former USA Eagles National Team players: Nese Malifa (Backs, Attack) and Phil Thiel (Forwards, Defense).
“We are absolutely thrilled to have these coaches lead our program to new heights. AOW takes a good deal of pride in seeing Coach Francesco and Coach Telly have success in their leadership roles and it goes without saying how excited the organization is to add Coach Nese and Coach Phil. Their rugby experience will be an important asset to player development and, most importantly, their personalities fit extremely well with the culture here at AOW.” – Cathal Doyle, Director of Rugby, Atlanta Old White RFC.
Coach Francesco Balsas led AOW to 2 South Championships and a Nationals Final Four appearance. He also serves as Forwards Coach for USA Rugby South Panthers, where he has contributed to 2 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Championships.