Neath hit by coach exodus
NEATH RFC have seen mass departures from their management team after head coach Simon King quit the crisis-ridden club on Saturday.
King walked out less than 24 hours after his side were trounced 69-12 at the Gnoll by Llanelli.
The home team was made up of largely permit players following a mass exodus in the wake of crippling financial problems and non-payment of staff.
And now King has been joined through the Gnoll exit door by four more of his backroom team, including assistant coaches Paul James, Paul Williams and team manager Neil White.
Wales, Ospreys and Bath prop James was brought in during the summer to help look after the forwards while Williams was already on board at Neath as backs coach.
But both have now left the club, alongside team boss Neil White and kit man Tom Ward.
A statement from the quartet said: “Following on from the recent departure of Simon King, head coach of Neath RFC, assistant coaches Paul Williams and Paul James, along with team manager Neil White and Tom Ward have also decided to stand down from our current roles.
“This is not only to show our support and solidarity with Simon, but also to indicate our heartfelt frustration with the current off-field situation at the club.
“We are all humbled by the commitment and dedication shown by the remaining players, and feel truly sorry for the loyal, long-standing supporters of Neath RFC.
“We would like to wish all the current Neath RFC players and supporters the very best for the future, and sincerely hope that this great club can rise and be a force to be reckoned with again.
“Our departure will hopefully bring about circumstances where the remaining players receive what they are owed.
“Thank you all once again.” King quit the club after less than five months at the helm, insisting it would be negligent for him to continue without any medical staff.
King’s revelation about the lack of medical support throws the immediate playing future of the team into further doubt, despite the fact they managed to fulfil their fixture on Friday night after being forced to cancel the previous weekend’s match.
They appear certainties to be relegated from the Principality Premiership, no matter what happens.
In an emotional statement, King said: “I believe it would negligent to continue in the role without medical staff.
“I have tried to carry on as long as possible despite not being paid and any arrangements I had with the club clearly being breached.
“I reserve my rights as coach to have a duty of care to the players and without the appropriate support staff I can no longer carry on with my duties.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone for the support I have received whilst fulfilling my role as head coach of Neath RFC.”
The mass exodus in the wake of crippling financial problems and non-payment of staff comes amid calls for owner Mike Cuddy, who saw his Cuddy Group business collapse earlier this year, to relinquish control, something he now says he is prepared to do.
The huge uncertainty surrounding one of Welsh rugby’s most famous clubs follows the decision at Cardiff Justice Courts last Thursday to dismiss a winding-up order.
That ruling means Cuddy currently remains in charge of Neath Rugby Limited.