Pats head coach Jones to relinquish his role

OLD Patesians head coach, Craig Jones is to stand down at the end of the season to take a break from the sport.

Jones is standing down from his role after six years in order to take a break from the world of 1st XV rugby for the first time in 18 years.

At the age of 36, Jones has devoted every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to Old Pats, Lydney, Worcester, Rugby Lions or Stourbridge.

This season he has also worked with new chairman, Matt Cape to map out a new structure for the club’s coaching and off-field management.

Jones said: “The timing is right for me to take break. I’ve never been able to do the normal things around rugby like going to Kingsholm on a Saturday or watching local rugby.

“I just want to step out of the fast lane for a bit and knowing we have a clear plan for next season we can now be the first option for a new coach to take this great club forward.”

Cape said “Craig’s departure will be a loss for the club.

“He’s been a great influence in developing our playing ethos.

“The work he’s done off the field in developing and recently evolving our coaching/support structures has been invaluable.”

The club will be announcing it’s plans for 2019-20 before Easter and are confident of securing the services of some high profile candidates.