Diss Rugby Club to take time in process of naming new head coach following departure of Alex Kelsall

Diss Rugby Club will take their time to appoint a new head coach following Alex Kelsall’s departure last week.

It was tough period at the Mackenders helm for Kelsall, who was unable to keep the club in the Counties 1 Eastern Counties last season following his arrival in the summer of 2024.

And having started the new campaign at a lower level with four straight defeats, Kelsall has decided to step away.

Club chairman Stephen Drake said: “It was a combination of things. From a rugby perspective we’d reached a bit of a stalemate.

“After last year’s relegation I don’t think anybody was expecting to start this season with four defeats.

“It felt like something needed to happen to give us a bit of a jolt and to kickstart the season.”

Club legend Matt Richards, who made his 500th appearance for Diss last term, has inherited the role on an interim basis for the time being.

And he had an instant impact at the weekend, overseeing a first victory of the campaign as the Blues triumphed 46-17 over visiting Thorney.

Diss now have a two-week break from fixtures – and Drake intends to use that time to identify what exactly the club requires from its next head coach.

“With the timing of Alex’s departure, we needed somebody to take the lead on an interim basis because we couldn’t let it just drift,” added Drake.

“Matt agreed to stand up and I have to say, from the feedback we’ve received, he’s been really well received by the players and he’s put on some enjoyable training sessions.

“The boys really rallied for him fantastically well at the weekend, they responded brilliantly and he did a first-class job.

“For us as a club, we need to look at what our future looks like and do a bit of sole searching.

“We need to look at what we need from our head coach and not just rush into making an appointment.

“It’s got to be the right person, someone that fits into what we want to achieve on and off the pitch.”

Diss will next be on action on November 8 when they travel to Mersea Island.