I have to bring you all some news that Head Coach Ben Buxton will be leaving us at the end of the season.
Recently “Bucko” has changed Jobs and moved house further away from Ilkeston thus giving him less time to commit to The Elks.
Initially when Ben first started at the beginning of the 2019/20 season his remit wasn’t to get us promotion or win trophies but to improve the group of players that we had. The Covid hit season hindered progress but I’m sure you will all agree that he has succeeded in his role in improving the squad.
Ben says “that I am sad to be leaving and have really enjoyed my time at the club. I would like to thank the players for their continued support over the past 4 years. I would also like to give a special thanks to Andy Evans for all he has done for me and the club.

Team Captain Tom Pottinger added, “I’d like to start with a thank you to Ben. 4 years of transforming this young (ish) squad to what it is today is a great achievement by you and all the staff around over the last few seasons.
I won’t be alone when I say that Ben has not only given us a solid platform to how we play rugby but has reignited the buzz inside and outside of the rugby club as a whole!”

We both agree that it’s been a pleasure to work with you over the last few seasons and wish you all the best with your next chapter!
Steve Foulkes
Director of Rugby