Chris Wade

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After playing Touch for Bath University Hawks, Chris joined Bristol Jets (or what was Fijians) in 2019, looking to improve his Touch skills around some of the regions best players and coaches. He has since cemented himself as one of Bristol Jets most capped players and has represented the South West Saxons since 2020. Being a coach by trade, it didn't take long before Chris had his coaching hat on too, supporting new and experienced Jets to develop their game. Chris' love for, and involvement in, the club has only grown since. As well as his roles as a Head Coach and captaining the team on the pitch, he also occupies our Club Captain role, looking after the best interests of the club and it's players. 

 

As well as supporting the coaching of Bristol Jets, he is also part of the England coaching set up! He won gold with the Mixed U15's at the Junior Touch Championships in 2022, achieved silver with the Mixed U18's at the Youth Atlantic Cup in 2023, and is now with the Senior Mixed squad building towards the 2024 world cup!

 

Chris thinks that you should join Bristol Jets if you are looking for a fun and inclusive club, want to try a new sport in a safe environment, or challenge your skillset amongst some of our cohort of international players!

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Jen Palmer

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Jen first experienced touch at a corporate tournament in 2008, and shortly afterwards following some trials was selected to play for England (Mixed Open) for her first international cap in 2009. Since then, she has earnt 42 England caps in total, 13 for Mixed Open, 11 for Women’s Open and 18 for Women’s 27s (13 as Captain). Her proudest moments being Captaining Women’s 27s to achieve Gold in the 2014 European Championships and Bronze in the 2015 World Cup in Australia [she was selected as a role model at Sport Watch Bristol at the time: https://sportwatchbristol.wordpress.com/2015/03/13/jen-palmer-touch-rugby/].

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Jen was heavily involved in turning an informal group of players into the hot pink touch club formally known as Bristol Fijians, now better named Bristol Jets, and kickstarted growth of the Women’s game by creating the biggest Women’s touch tournament in Europe (Spring Chick). She was South West lead and head coach of the Women’s Open South West squad for several years and is a FIT accredited Intermediate-level coach. Jen has enjoyed watching the speed of growth of the game over the years, it is a sport for all, and Bristol Jets is a club for all!

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Toby Williams

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Toby has been playing Touch for over 10 years, playing his first ETA Tournament with Bristol Fijians in 2014. He came to Touch after retiring from Rugby Union in 2012 following several injuries. He has been coaching the Bristol Jets for the last 4 seasons, and is a Level 1 FIT Accredited coach. He is also former Bristol Jets Club Captain. In 2022 and 2023 Toby represented the England Men’s 30s in the European Touch Championships in which they won Gold at both tournaments. Toby loves the culture of Touch, and believes that if you are looking for a sport which is social, accepting, open, accessible, and fun, then you should consider getting in touch (pun not intended) and giving it a try (pun intended)!

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Eilleen Russell

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Eileen began playing touch when she moved to Bath in 2018 for university. Having played GAA all her life it was time to try a new sport and she instantly fell in love with it. Eileen has represented South West Saxons in 2021 & 2023 and Ireland Womens open in 2022. Eileen’s favourite thing about touch is its inclusivity. It is a great sport to try regardless of your experience and develops many transferable skills.

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Sam Lawton-Davies

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Sam started playing touch in 2015 and was part of the very first Junior Touch Nationals with the southern mavericks. He has also played in three European Junior Touch Championships for the England Mixed 18’s team winning two silvers and one bronze medal as well as captaining the team in his final year. Since then Sam has been a member of the England Men’s Open squad and is currently in the England Mixed Open squad preparing for the 2024 Touch World Cup. 

 

Sam started coaching in 2019 when he was appointed as an assistant coach for the England Mixed U18s for the Junior Euros where they won gold. He then stepped up to be Head Coach of the team leading them to silver medals at the 2022 and 2023 European Championships, whilst also stepping up to be one of the head coaches at Bristol Jets in 2022 alongside coaching the South West Saxons Women’s 27s. 

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Paul Bunce

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Paul joined Bristol Jets in 2019 looking for an opportunity to play touch and be involved in a top level club. Paul represented the Wales Men’s Open squad for 4 seasons (a long time ago now!) And was lucky enough to compete at Men’s Open European competitions. Paul now represents England Men 45s.

A Strength & Conditioning coach by trade with over 15 years experience working in professional sport, his expertise lies in Coaching, specifically Strength and Conditioning and Injury Rehab for team sports and individual athletes. (Do check out his business PJB Performance Training www.pjbperformancetraining.co.uk). Now he is back involved in Touch, one of his roles is to help the Jets with their skills development and to provide support to the many of the great coaches and team members.

Paul believes you should get involved with Bristol Jets if you’re looking to play an amazing game of skill and athleticism, want to be involved in an open and fun environment, and experience the Bristol Jets training and social scene.