WESTERBY TAKES TOP WOMENS JOB

Long serving Giants in the Community Development Officer James Westerby has taken the historic club first role as Head of Women's Rugby at the Huddersfield Giants.

Having spent nine years with the clubs' Community Trust working in the Community and more latterly specifically with the Women's and Girls teams the appointment was a natural progression for the 51 year old who starts his new role on December 1^st.

James Westerby commented on the role.

“This is an exciting challenge and one that illustrates the development of the Women’s & Girls game. 

"I’d like to take the opportunity of thanking the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust and in particular Lisa Darwin (Trust CEO), previous coaches/staff and players for their efforts in developing the Giants Women’s team from its inception as an U19’s back in 2018. 

"The Women’s game has grown immensely in this time and with the club taking over the running of both the Super League squad and the U19’s this growth will continue. 

"It’s a great opportunity to work with the club and develop both squads. The club’s investment in such areas as medical provision/facilities is invaluable.  Over the next few years we want success and the players/staff and I will be striving for that”.

Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis said.

"James is the natural leader for us as we start the journey here with our Betfred Super League and Under 19 teams and I know he is very excited about the challenge ahead. 

"He has already selected his Head Coach who will be announced later this week and begun to piece together both the squad, some of whom have been announced, and support staff needed to achieve our goal which is a top four finish next season for the Super League side.  

"James has the local contacts to make a real success of the role and the back up of the Giants Commercial Team to expand our sponsorship base which will be vital in funding the teams. 

"His time with the Women's teams already from the Trust is invaluable as is his knowledge of the workings of the RFL as the games governing body. 

"He also has a superb group of volunteers who will be integral to any success we have as things don’t just happen when putting on games, training and events without a dedicated team of which the Huddersfield Giants Supporters Association play such a vital role for which we are extremely grateful. ”