Mike Brennan, President of Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Club, has announced that he will be stepping down from the role at the end of the current season.

A pending relocation to Devon with wife Patricia brings to an end a very successful four-year tenure for a much admired and respected figure at the club.

Speaking ahead of standing down, Mike said; “My association with our wonderful club goes back some 35 years, from when l brought my sons down to Solihull M&J's. l wasn't a coach but was at every home and away game with a car full of players for blooming years. It has been said that l knew more about those lads than their parents ever did - thank goodness for 'what goes on tour stays on tour'!

“Over all those years, going through the Club's various ups and downs, being on several committees, through the Birmingham amalgamation, it has simply been a great pleasure, for myself and my family. Then to have been asked, under the influence, to be President, at the start of the 2015/16 season was a great honour.

The last four years has been a great joy- despite our relegation this season - and has produced some wonderful memories that I will treasure into my dotage.”

Paying tribute to the outgoing (Ed - in both senses of the word!) President, Chairman of Birmingham & Solihull Chris Loughran said; “Mike has been an outstanding President. He has been a constant presence and irrepressible source of energy throughout his tenure. He has been a driving force behind the ‘one club’ philosophy that we have striven to nurture in recent years and has probably spent more time at Portway than he has at home. As President, he has been ably supported by Tricia, who has shown similar levels of participation and commitment, albeit with more moderate levels of alcohol consumption.

“Both will be sorely missed, and I am sure that everyone in the club, as well as many clubs across many divisions who have enjoyed their company and hospitality over the years, wish them a long and happy retirement in southern climes. When they are happily reclining in their rocking chairs, I am sure that Mike will recount many wonderful rugby stories to Tricia, particularly his fond memories of Scunthorpe.”

Mike’s final official duty will be to preside over the Club Annual Dinner & Awards Evening on Friday 17th May, where he will undoubtably be given a rousing send off. Vice President Mike Norman will take the role as Acting President until a successor is anointed.