Eugene Martin took over the reins as Director of Rugby at the start of the 2012/13 season, having originally joined the Bees in 2009 as Assistant Coach to Russell Earnshaw. Under his stewardship, the club finished 12th in National League 2 North in his first season, making significant progress in his second season when the Bees achieved sixth place in the league.

This season, however, has seen the fortunes of the first team decline and the Bees currently sit third from the bottom in the table with three games left in their current NL2N campaign. With Stockport already down, Luctonians, Hull RUFC and the Bees are the most likely relegation candidates for the two other slots.

Commenting on the announcement, Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Club Chairman Chris Loughran said; “On behalf of the club I would like to thank Eugene for everything that he has done for the club over the last six seasons and particularly the last three where he has been our DoR.“

“Results this season have been disappointing to say the least and we now have a real dogfight on our hands to avoid relegation. I am pleased that Eugene will be with us to the end of the current season to see the job through, hopefully retaining our National League 2 status in the process.”

“By accepting Eugene’s intention to step down now this gives us the opportunity to start the important task of recruiting his replacement with immediate effect. To allow Eugene, together with his performance team, to focus all energies on our three crucial remaining league fixtures, the Management team has asked Matt Long to take charge of all player retention and recruitment in the interim until a new Director of Rugby is appointed.”

“We then hope to have the new appointment in post no later than the end of May, to allow for best possible preparations for the 2015/16 season. In the meantime, I trust that all the squad, other members of the performance team and supporters will continue to give Eugene their full support, thereby playing their part in helping the club rise to the challenge over the remaining three games.”

ENDS

The club will make no further comment on this announcement.

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