MATT Parsons, Wellington Rugby Club’s player-coach during the past season, has been given a new role by the Western Counties West club.

In a statement issued earlier this week, club spokesman Michael Brewer said: “In line with the RFU’s commitment to retaining players as they move from playing junior and under 18s levels, Wellington Rugby Club are delighted to announce the appointment of last season’s coach Matt Parsons to the position of Coaching Coordinator.

“With responsibility for ensuring the continuity of coaching from under 14s through to the the lst XV, he will have special responsibility to ensure the smooth transition of players from the youth teams, particularly from under 16 and U18 levels where many talented players are lost to the game.

“Matt already has strong links with the schools in the area, so he was the natural choice when the RFU asked clubs to look at the issue of player retention, and ensuring that the reasons for the loss of players around this age was addressed, the benefit being that people who may otherwise be lost to the game remain involved in some capacity.

“Negotiations are almost complete with regards the senior coaches within the club, where Wellington are hoping to announce very soon who will be coaching the forwards and the backs next season.

“In addition there will be a players meeting on Thursday evening (7.30) (May 26) when the players will elect next season’s captains.”