Derek Coates (born 1972) is an English

rugby union Rugby union, commonly known simply as rugby, is a close-contact team sport that originated at Rugby School in the first half of the 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand. In its m ...

player who played at Full back. He is known for his spells with

Blackheath Blackheath may refer to: Places England *Blackheath, London, England ** Blackheath railway station **Hundred of Blackheath, Kent, an ancient hundred in the north west of the county of Kent, England *Blackheath, Surrey, England ** Hundred of Blackh ...

and

Westcombe Park Westcombe Park is a largely residential area in Blackheath in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, South East London, England. It is bounded by the main London-Dartford railway line to the north, the Blackwall Tunnel southern approach to the east, th ...

, where thanks to his prowess with the boot he became one of the most prolific points scorers in

National League 2 South National League 2 South (known before September 2009 as National Division Three South) was a level four league in the English rugby union system until the end of season 2021–22. It was one of two leagues at this level, with its counterpart, N ...

history with over 1,000 points spread between the two clubs, and was also one of the most consistent scorers averaging 12 points a game. Since he has retired from playing he has remained in the game as a coach.

Career

Westcombe Park

In 2000 Derek moved across London from former club, Blackheath, to Westcombe Park in Orpington, then playing in National Division 3 South. While he had found opportunities limited at Blackheath, he became a first team fixture during his debut season at Goddington Dene, playing 22 games and scoring 222 points, as he helped Westcombe Park finish 7th, two places higher than his former club. The 2001–02 season was even more successful for Derek as he played every league game and scored 326 points, second in the division only to Penzance & Newlyn's Nat Saumi, helping Westcombe Park to a 4th-placed finish. He would also win silverware at the end of the year, as his side won the Kent Cup 41–21 against

Thanet Wanderers Thanet Wanderers RUFC was founded in 1886, and are based in Broadstairs. They currently play in London and South East Division Two South East. The club runs 4 senior teams (one being veterans) plus a junior section for boys and girls. Honors ...

, at the final held at Blackheath's

Rectory Field Rectory Field is a sports ground in Blackheath in the Royal Borough of Greenwich in south-east London. It was developed in the 1880s by Blackheath Cricket, Football and Lawn Tennis Company and became the home ground of rugby union team Blackheath ...

. The 2002–03 season would be Derek's last with Westcombe Park, as his side struggled in the league. Despite playing in a team that finished 1 point off the relegation spot, Derek continued to be prolific with 267 points (3rd overall in the division).

Blackheath

After 3 years with Westcombe Park, Derek moved back to the Rectory Field to sign for Blackheath at the start of the 2003–04 season. This would prove to be the best season of his career as he helped Blackheath to win the National Division 3 South title (the first league title in the club's history), while at the same time scoring a personal best 368 points to finish as the division's top scorer. The 2004–05 season would see Blackheath survive in National Division Two but would be the last for Derek as he only managed a handful of games. Since retiring from playing, Derek has been involved in coaching, with spells in change of Blackheath Heathen's (Blackheath's second team) and more recently, Wavering Wanderers.

Season-by-season playing stats

Honours and records

Blackheath * National Division 3 South champions: 2003–04 * National Division 3 South top points scorer: 2003–04 (368 points) Westcombe Park *Kent Cup winners: 2002

References

External links

Blackheath FCWestcombe Park Rugby Football ClubKent RFU
{{DEFAULTSORT:Coates, Derek Living people English rugby union players Blackheath F.C. players Rugby union fullbacks 1972 births