WELLINGTON Rugby Club's outgoing head coach Graham Dawe says he will be leaving the Athletic Ground with fond memories.

Dawe said this week: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Wellington - it is a great club.

"It has been a big year for the club - both on and off the pitch. It has been a tough season for the first team because of injuries and players being unavailable.

"It was difficult because Danny Lee (skipper), George Hodgson (vice-captain) and our kicker Alex Davey missed half the season.

"It was always going to be tough when you are without such key players. But I think we got the best out of those players who came into the side. It is a young team and the prospects for the club are good."

Meanwhile Dawe, who was head coach for eight seasons, has not ruled out staying in rugby. "I haven't made up my mind what I will do," added Dawe who is an organic beef farmer in West Devon.

Wellington announced that Dawe would be stepping down as head coach last week after taking over the role in the 2017-18 season.

In a statement the club said: “Graham guided us through some incredible years, yet has done so in a humble manner, being available to anyone in the clubhouse after games.

“It’s been both a pleasure and honour to have someone of Graham’s calibre and standing coaching our amateur community club and the void he leaves will take some filling.

“Behind a great man is a great woman and Graham’s wife Liz has been ever present and has shown unwavering support for us.

“They’ve both brought so much to our club and provided great memories and from all the WRFC players and members we’re indebted to you both.”