Robert Powell (born ) is the head coach of Kent London & South East Men's League side Medway Dragons and the Head of Youth at the London Broncos in the Super League. He is the former head coach of the London Broncos Rugby League Club and former defence coach at Cardiff Blues Rugby Union club. Background Powell was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. Career His background in Rugby League began in 1998 at Newcastle University, where he studied history. However, his playing experience lasted only a handful of games, and his brief playing career in the sport ended at the age of 19. After completing his bachelor's degree at Newcastle University, he started an MSc in sports management at Northumbria University, and this period of his life saw him manage his former university at Rugby League. His side won the North East Cup, qualified for the BUSA final and twice competed in the Challenge Cup during his three years in charge, which saw him progress to the Challenge Cup second round in 2001. He was introduced to London Broncos and completed a six-week placement as part of his course in 2002. South London Storm In 2003, he moved to London as a full-time Rugby League community sports coach, introducing new players and clubs to the game, and became assistant to Darryl Pitt at South London Storm. When Pitt departed, Powell took charge in December 2004, and shortly after the club announced their intention to move from a nationwide competition to the London centric RLC Premier Division. The club excelled in this weaker competition, and Powell won Coach of the Year in 2005, whilst in 2006 the club won the RLC Premier Division. Harlequins RL / London Broncos Powell then became the under-16 foundation coach at Harlequins Rugby League club in 2006, and a series of coaches departing, such as Dave Evans and Damian McGrath, saw him become the under 21s assistant coach and then assistant to head coach to Brian McDermott in a very short space of time. As one of two assistants to McDermott – the other being Latham Tawhai – these three saw the club's performances decline year on year from 7th in 2006 to 9th in both 2007 and 2008 then to 11th in 2009 and finally to 13th in 2010. McDermott and Powell in tandem had seen only eight wins from their last 40 games together.