Bristol Harlequins RFC

Bristol Harlequins RFC are proud to unveil their new Head Coach, William Mbanga, ahead of the 2025/26 season. A man with rugby in his blood and coaching experience across three continents, Mbanga brings a clear vision, high standards, and an unshakable belief in player development to Valhalla.

In his first official interview with the club, William shares his background, coaching philosophy, and what excites him most about this new chapter with the Quins.

A Rugby Life Lived Worldwide

Mbanga’s introduction to rugby began in childhood, growing up in Zimbabwe, where sport was a constant presence.

“Like most kids growing up in Southern Africa, I played backyard test matches in pretty much every sport,” he explains. “I started playing rugby at around four or five and went on to make age-grade representative sides in both XVs and 7s at school, club and university level in Zimbabwe and South Africa.”

A series of injuries brought his playing career to an early close in his mid-twenties, but his passion for coaching had already taken root.

“My coaching career actually began in my final year of high school, when I helped coach my prep school 1st XV,” he says. “Since then, apart from a short break when I moved to the UK, I’ve been coaching school, club, academy and representative teams in the youth, women’s and men’s game — even working with some national squads along the way.”

“Rugby has taken me all over the world and given me so much. Coaching is my way of giving back.”

Why Bristol Harlequins?

Mbanga says joining Harlequins felt like a natural decision.

“The sense of ambition at the club, the energy I felt in my conversations with the committee, and the strong community spirit made applying an easy choice,” he says.

Before his official start, Mbanga met with players and club officials behind the scenes on Saturday to begin laying the groundwork for the season ahead. He formally takes up his position as Head Coach on Tuesday 1st July.

That early engagement left a strong impression on the club’s leadership. Chairperson Kevin Morgan welcomed the appointment:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Will on board,” Morgan said. “From the very first conversation, his passion, professionalism, and vision for developing players really stood out. He’s a great fit for what we’re building here at Harlequins, and we can’t wait to get the season started with him leading the way.”

Coaching Style and Philosophy

At the core of Mbanga’s coaching approach is a commitment to player-led growth.

“I believe in creating a positive learning environment where players and coaches are continually challenged to develop,” he explains. “I’m a player-centred coach. I see the players as the owners of the game and myself as the facilitator.”

He sums up his philosophy with a single phrase: “Better never stops.”

“A happy, engaged playing group is capable of raising their standards and achieving great things together,” he adds. “Enjoyment is fundamental to everything we do.”

Vision and Objectives

Mbanga has set clear short-term and long-term objectives for the squad.

“In the long term, we want to build a senior squad that plays an enjoyable brand of rugby and consistently competes at the top end of the leagues, with two teams made up of players who can interchange seamlessly,” he says.

“To achieve that, the short-term focus will be on creating cooperative competition for places by developing individual skillsets, game understanding, and confidence across the squad. Ultimately, we want to consistently deliver an all-court game that suits the modern rugby landscape.”

First Impressions and Early Plans

Mbanga is optimistic about what lies ahead and has been encouraged by what he’s seen so far.

“The level of ambition and desire to improve has impressed me,” he notes. “We’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us, but the foundations built over the past few seasons will help us kick on.”

Early priorities will include core skills and fitness.

“A big focus will be on game sense, decision-making, and fundamental skills such as catch-pass and breakdown work,” he says. “We’re also aiming to be the fittest team in the league. The players might not thank me in pre-season, but they’ll understand why when it counts.”

What He Expects from His Players

Mbanga sets high expectations — but not just in terms of performance.

“I expect curiosity, engagement, and a genuine commitment to the team,” he says. “Players should play for each other and the badge — and enjoy doing it.”

“Rugby is meant to be fun. Watching a group of players develop strong bonds and enjoy the process is a huge part of why I love coaching at this level.”

The Importance of Community

Mbanga is also passionate about the role of the wider club community in a team’s success.

“It means everything,” he says. “We’re all part of something bigger than ourselves. The community’s support plays a huge role in the wellbeing of the club and of individuals within it.”

“If we can continue to strengthen ties with our Minis & Juniors and local partners, we’ll only grow stronger together.”

A Message to the Supporters

As pre-season approaches, Mbanga has a clear message for the Harlequins faithful.

“I’m hugely excited and honoured to join Bristol Harlequins,” he says. “Coaching is a privilege I don’t take lightly. My goals are simple: to build a squad that plays with pride, competes at the top, and makes you proud every time we take the field.”

“We’re going to build something special — and it’s going to take all of us. Players, coaches, committee, volunteers, and you, the supporters. Your energy and your presence make all the difference.”

“Let’s work together to create something memorable.”

Bristol Harlequins RFC enter a new season with renewed ambition and a clear identity. Under William Mbanga’s leadership, the focus is not just on winning, but on building a lasting culture of pride, unity and progress — both on and off the field.

For more updates from Coach Mbanga and the club, visit our news page and follow our official channels throughout the season.