Miller enjoying coaching experience

Army Air Corps stalwart, Capt Jamie Miller, is enjoying his first season on the sidelines as the team’s Head Coach.

Capt Miller hung up his playing boots after leading the red shirts to the 2022 Inter-Services Championship title, but despite signing off from full-time service he is still in the military fold as a Reservist and playing a full part in both the AAC’s run to the League 3 title and as defence coach with the Senior Men’s team.

And even though Wednesday’s Corps Championship finals day was more for staying warm by getting stuck into the action, for Capt Miller getting the 21-7 win over the Adjutant General’s Corps was the most important thing.

“This morning when I woke up I was very glad that I was firmly into retirement!” he said. “I was cold, but I was also dry! The conditions were challenging for everyone, and it was a day where the best laid plans go out of the window and it comes down to who wants it more.

“There were always going to be lots of errors. We knew that and spoke about that, but we’ve built a game plan this season which is very adaptable and fortunately we were subtly able to change that for the conditions and get the result.”

Wednesday’s win meant that the AAC completed a perfect season in competitive matches, and Capt Miller is delighted by how the team has progressed.

“It was a really pleasing campaign,” he said. “We set out this year as a bit of a build season with consolidation on growing numbers getting back into the game in our Corps. That was brilliant. We’ve had great numbers and some runaway success that we perhaps weren’t anticipating.

“We now need that we do consolidate, so that when we do go into Merit 2 next season we can hit the ground running.”

Capt Miller added that even though he may have been anticipating time away from rugby when he hung up his boots, it was a straightforward decision to remain part of the sport.

“Rugby is one of those sports which is more than a sport,” he said. “It’s a family event and I’m really pleased to be still involved in the game. I’m enjoying the coaching. I’ve been getting some good buy-in from the guys which makes it more enjoyable, and when you have a good season and win lots of games what’s not to like?”

There is more rugby back in Aldershot on Wednesday, March 15^th, when the Senior Men host the French Army. Kick off is 1900hrs, and all are welcome.

Tickets for the 2023 Inter-Services Championship are now on sale.

Words © New Dogs, Old Tricks

All images – Alligin Photography © Andrew Fosker