Birkenhead Park RFC

Our extra award winners this season were recognised for their outstanding contribution to Birkenhead Park, with Club Colours remaining the pinnacle of achievement within the club.

Outgoing Director of Rugby, Neil Shaw and coach Billy Woof have stepped down from their roles, a decision that was officially announced at the club's Awards Night earlier this month.

Chairman, Martin O'Keefe paid a glowing tribute to both men for their service while Neil Shaw reflected both on the 25/26 season and his four-year tenure as Director of Rugby citing the triumph of promotion and as well as the challenge of sustaining a remarkable second half of this season.

Martin O’Keefe said: “Neil has done on fantastic job over this past four seasons. Highlights include an outstanding promotion season. People don’t realise the hard work and effort that Neil has put in to ensure that we still have three senior men’s teams. Neil has also built a fantastic relationship with Liverpool John Moores University. He has given a lifetime of service to the club and I’m sure won’t be a stranger from the club. We wish him all the best with his rugby retirement.”

Billy's own story was of course one of triumph over adversity after losing his lower leg in a promotion play off final against Penrith eight seasons ago. Billy won a backdated trophy "honorary young player of the year" (since he missed out 15 years ago) to mark his return to fitness and his service to Birkenhead Park as coach since. Billy wants to spend more time with his young family and is combining that with a long-term programme of athletic fitness liaising with former Park back row, Jason Torrance who is his personal trainer at Gravity Gym. Inspirational!

 “Billy has been an exceptional coach over the past eight seasons, developing players and our playing style. It’s been really tough balancing the needs of his beautiful young family with work and rugby commitments,” said Martin O’Keefe.

On behalf of all of us here at Birkenhead Park, we wish both Neil and Billy well and thank them for their sterling with this rugby club.