WELLINGTON Rugby Club are disappointed they have not been able to secure the services of last winter’s forwards coach Steve Pape for another season.

Club spokesman Mike Brewer said: “Steve was a great asset to the club last season, as our young team got to grips with the more attritional style of Bristol and Gloucester rugby.

“Steve, himself a very abrasive second row, came with a huge amount of experience. He made over 70 appearances at Championship level and a total of almost 200 appearances in the National Leagues and above.

“As a coach he brought in new and exciting ideas and little tips in the dark arts of forward play. He is an ambitious coach and understandably when the offer came from a club playing at a higher level came, he accepted it.

“Steve leaves with our very best wishes and has kindly agreed to help the club in finding a replacement.

“Negotiations are now well advanced on that front and it is hoped an announcement will be made very shortly.”

Despite being the closed season as far as rugby is concerned, there is still lots going on at Wellington RFC. Saturday saw the start of the social touch rugby season, an event that will continue through the season on Friday evenings at 6.30pm.

It’s a great way to make new friends and give rugby a try, without the contact of the full game. It’s open to all ages and sexes and is a great way to burn off a few pounds.

On the playing front, the senior teams have started on some fitness work under the guidance of ex Welly player Trae Gosling.

The WWN believes Pape is joining South West One (W) side North Petherton as player-coach on a two-year contract although no official announcement has been made.

He is thought to have been offered a deal which he could not refuse.