As preparations continue for the upcoming 2025/26 Energia All-Ireland League season, Navan RFC is proud to unveil its Senior Men's Coaching and Management Group.
A familiar face returns to Balreask Old as Ryan Roberts resumes his coaching journey in Navan as Men’s 1st & J1/2nd XV Head Coach. Known affectionately as "Robbo", Ryan first arrived at the club in 2006 as a Player/Assistant Coach and Youth Development Officer, working under then Head Coach Brad Harris.
Originally from New Zealand, Roberts had spent two years playing in Queensland, Australia with Bond Pirates and Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators before joining Navan.
Together, Harris and Roberts brought a golden era to Navan RFC. In their first season in charge, Harris & Roberts led Navan to win the Leinster Provincial Towns Cup for 2007. In 2008 they repeated this feat and added the All-Ireland Junior Cup making for a unique “Cup Double”.
In 2009 Navan won Leinster League Division 1 for only the second time and subsequently reached the promised land of promotion to the senior ranks of Irish rugby, gaining a place in the All-Ireland League after winning the All-Ireland Provincial League Championship Round-Robin. Defeating City of Derry at home 20–19, Cashel away 6–20 and Monivea at home 40–20.
In 2011, Roberts returned to Australia to take up a Player/Coach role with the Alleygators, leading them to three consecutive Gold Coast Grand Finals, lifting titles in 2011 and 2012.
Transitioning into full-time coaching, Ryan founded the Southern Cross Rugby Academy (SCRA) – a development pathway for boys and girls aged 10–18, delivering skills, fitness, and team-building programs in the Gold Coast area. He also served as Player Development & Pathways Director at the Alleygators, coaching from U6s through to the 1st XV and supporting player progression across all levels. He also held a development coach role with Queensland Rugby Union.
Reflecting on his return, Ryan said:
“I’m delighted to be back in Navan, a great club with a proud history—particularly in bringing players through its minis and youths structure into the adult game. That’s a connection I want to build and strengthen.”
Joining Roberts is Lithuanian international second row and former professional player Karolis Navickas.
Navickas brings elite playing experience from the Top 14, Pro D2, and EPCR Challenge Cup, having represented clubs such as Union Bordeaux Bègles, Provence Rugby, and Union Sportive Bressane.
At international level, Karolis represented Lithuania in the Rugby Europe Trophy and most recently served as Team Manager for the national team. His focus at Navan will be on the forwards, set-piece, and breakdown areas.
Continuing in their roles from last season are Joint 1st XV Team Managers, John Hand and David Bracknell, who bring invaluable match-day and operational experience to the setup.
Rounding out the rugby leadership team is Director of Rugby Niall Welsh, a former 1st XV player and teammate of Roberts during Navan’s ascent to senior status in the late 2000s.
Welsh will provide strategic oversight and player development support, reinforcing Navan’s long-standing emphasis on homegrown talent and club progression.
Commenting on the new Coaching and Management setup, Welsh said:
“As Director Of Rugby I’m delighted to have Robbo back with us. Once we heard he was interested in the role, the club quickly set about to appoint him. Having played under him myself in the late noughties I knew what he was like and the quality he will bring to the Club. Navan RFC is also thrilled to bring in Karolis Navikas as a player forwards coach. His experience as a pro player will greatly benefit the senior squad. Pre season training has already begun and whilst it’s early days the signs are clear to see the two new coaches are bringing a real freshness and positive vibe to the set up.”
With a strong blend of local heritage and international expertise, the incoming Navan RFC Men’s coaching group sets the tone for an exciting new chapter ahead of the 2025/26 Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B campaign.
