The committee and senior squad management fully appreciate his explanation and I’m sure you would want us to thank Steve for the vast amount of time and effort that he has expended over the last two seasons. His professionalism, wit and management style have made it easier for all of us, and finishing 5th in the league last season, and hopefully 3rd this, also demonstrates Steve’s coaching and recruitment success and will be a hard act to follow.

With regards to moving forward John Hughes, known to most Combe members and supporters, has taken on the role of Director of Rugby (Senior Squad) and is already working tirelessly retaining and recruiting players for next season, while at the same he and the management are looking to add to the coaching set up, of which more will be announced shortly. But in the meantime please add your thanks to ours and we hope Steve will still be a regular at the club in future seasons.

Paul Woodhouse
Chairman
WPRFC Ltd

“Last month I have informed the committee at the club that I will not be continuing as head coach next season.

I will continue as support in a transitional basis for as long as I am needed.

I came back to Combe two years ago assisting on a part time basis as I wanted to watch my son play for his school team on Saturdays and not do any match day coaching.

The club asked me to step up and fill the role of DOR and head coach, and I was incredibly proud to have the opportunity to do so. We have had two great seasons and I firmly believe this is a National 2 club and we should really push on with the talent we have on offer here next year under the new coaching team.

However, I missed the vast majority of my son's games over this period and as next season is his last at his school, I will never get the chance to see him play for his first team again and as such the decision was always an easy one.

Combe is such a great club. I am very excited about the direction the club is taking with the new coaching set up which will become public as soon as the committee have finalised details, and I will always be around to assist, and support.

The new DOR, Hughsey, is what we need and he has my complete backing and support and we all need to support him.

I would like to thank the back room staff, with my fellow coaches Davo, Matt Thomas, Levvers and Billy Maynard. A massive thanks also to Grace and her team in the medical room who have been outstanding, the manager Mark Ley with the always enthusiastic assistance from JWT, and the committee who have done so much work behind the scenes. Finally, of course, the passionate support from Combe members.

The best part of being a coach is working with players. I have been very privileged to work with a talented, committed and very funny bunch of blokes who I will always support.

Thank you for having me and I will see you soon...come on Combe!

Waggers”