Harrogate Rugby Club is delighted to announce the return of former player Jake Brady,
who will take on the role of Director of Rugby for the 2025/26 season.

Jake rejoins Harrogate following a successful six-year tenure with the recently
promoted Leeds Tykes, where he served as both team captain and General Manager.
His leadership on and off the field was instrumental in the club’s rise following
Administration in 2020.

This move marks a homecoming for Jake, who will now play alongside his brother and
Club Captain, Sam Brady. His return comes at a pivotal moment, as Harrogate looks to
bounce back from a narrow relegation, just six minutes from survival in National League
2, ending a decade-long yo-yo between tiers 3 and 4 of the English rugby pyramid.

Reflecting on his return, Jake said:

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to rejoin Harrogate. Some of my
favorite rugby memories come from my time at the club over 10 years ago. Since
then, I’ve grown as both a player and a person, and I now feel I’m in a position to
give something back to a club that’s given me so much. I’ve kept a close eye on the club’s progress and, after facing them twice last season with Leeds Tykes, I have a strong sense of the team’s potential. This feels like the beginning of an exciting journey. The club has shown real ambition by putting faith in me and in a shared vision of what we can achieve together.”

In addition to leading the coaching team and playing, Jake brings extensive experience
in commercial strategy, an essential component for sustaining and growing the club
both on and off the pitch.

“While my main focus will be the rugby department, I also hope to contribute off
the field and add value across the wider club. I’m looking forward to
reconnecting with those currently involved and hopefully bringing back some
brilliant people who’ve been part of the club in the past.”

Jake’s appointment coincides with a structural change, as the current Director of Rugby
transitions into the role of Chairman of Rugby, remaining on hand to support Jake, the
coaching team and wider club.

Club Chairman Mark Garrett commented:

“I am thrilled to welcome Jake back to Harrogate at this critical time. The club
has made significant strides both on and off the field over the past three years.
While relegation was disappointing, the lessons learned over the last two
seasons have been invaluable. Jake is the right character to lead us forward, and
I’m excited to see what he and the team can achieve in the coming season.”

Jake will assume his role with immediate effect and will play a key part in shaping the
club’s off-season and pre-season preparations, which are already well underway.