The HPA would like to welcome Roddy Matthews to the team as Head of International & High Goal Polo, and announce that Henry Browne has been appointed Head of Development & Low Goal Polo, following his time as Interim Director of Sport.
These two part-time roles will cover all on-field activity in a new structure that will enable the HPA to more effectively develop the sport across all levels, with Henry and Roddy dedicated to different areas according to their expertise, with each also being able to deputise for the other where needed. These appointments are effective from 15 April 2024.
Roddy will lead on International Polo and will also manage the high- and medium-goal levels (from 15 goal upwards) for the HPA, overseeing VL tournaments, and working with clubs, while Henry will take on all polo up to and including 12-goal for the HPA, and take the lead on Junior polo and development, including the HPA Performance Pathway.
These two roles will be supported by a Polo Assistant; this vacancy is currently open, and we will be accepting applications until 2 April. Find more information here.
Henry joined the HPA on an interim basis in November 2023, and we are delighted that he will be staying with the team in a permanent role. Henry’s passion for development and grassroots polo has shone through during his time with us, and he offers a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the new role. As a former professional player, qualified HPA coach, and former Polo Manager at Rutland Polo Club, Henry is ideally placed to oversee and develop low-goal and junior polo. He will also remain an active Professional Umpire.
Roddy is a veteran of the English high goal circuit and a former England player, with a highlight a victory over France in the Coronation Cup in 1990. He reached a handicap of 5 goals and enjoyed a professional career spanning four decades. Roddy also held the post of Polo Manager for high goal teams for many seasons, worked as General Manager at the Thai Polo Club, and has coached polo around the world. He is internationally recognised as a leading trainer of Thoroughbred ponies, winning championships at RoR competitions and producing several horses which have ultimately played in the Argentine Open.
A member of the HPA Professional Umpire group since its formation, Roddy umpired for many seasons in England at 22 goal and internationally at 26 goal level. His experience in this field led to an HPA appointment to recruit, train, and mentor new professional umpires, many of which still feature in the Pro Umpire group today. Roddy is based in Ascot and alongside his role with the HPA, he will continue to combine umpiring in the UK and Florida with training and producing young Thoroughbreds for the top level in his spare time.
