EXCLUSIVE: Diss RFC part ways with coach Coombs

Diss Rugby Club have parted company with head coach Rogers Coombs, with a replacement having already been appointed.

However, with that agreement due to expire, both parties have agreed to go their separate ways.

News of Coombs’ exit has come on the back of a season that saw Diss fail to gain promotion for the second successive year and then suffer a heavy defeat to rivals North Walsham in the final of the Woodforde’s Norfolk Cup on Saturday.

The London 2 North East outfit have moved swiftly to replace Coombs, with backs coach Dave Smith given the responsibility of taking the club forward as his successor.

Paying tribute to the departing Coombs, who had previously worked with Premiership side London Irish where he worked under legendary World Cup-winning national coach Sir Clive Woodward and also had a spell at Diss’ rivals Bury St Edmunds, club president Duncan West said: “This was a mutual decision as Roger has come to the end of his contract.

“He has done a great job for us and has settled the side right down.

“We were inconsistent prior to his arrival and Roger has certainly steadied the ship.

“We part on good terms and there is no animosity, but it is time to move on.”

West revealed Smith, who joined Diss at the same time as Coombs, was one of three candidates that were interviewed for the position.

“Dave knows the club well and has a lot of experience,” he said.

“I want to stress that we only held discussions with Dave once Roger’s departure was confirmed.

“He will bring some different ideas in and has proven himself over the last couple of years.

“We have told Dave that we want to get promotion next season - that is his remit.”

* For an interview with the new man in charge, see Friday’s Diss Express print edition.