Derek Coates


Derek Coates is an English rugby union player who played at Full back. He is known for his spells with Blackheath and Westcombe Park, where thanks to his prowess with the boot he became one of the most prolific points scorers in National League 2 South 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, at the final held at Blackheath's Rectory Field. 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.

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, 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 and more recently, Wavering Wanderers.

Season-by-season playing stats

SeasonClubCompetitionAppearancesTriesDrop GoalsConversionsPenaltiesTotal Points
1998–99BlackheathAllied Dunbar Premiership 2400000
2000–01Westcombe ParkNational Division 3 South22123346222
2001–02Westcombe ParkNational Division 3 South26605264326
2002–03Westcombe ParkNational Division 3 South26704150267
2002–03Westcombe ParkPowergen Cup2 104425
2003–04BlackheathNational Division 3 South25206278368
2003–04BlackheathPowergen Cup2003830
2004–05BlackheathNational Division 23002931

Honours and records

Blackheath
Westcombe Park