Cornwell steps down as Cinderford head coach

MARK Cornwell has resigned from his position as head coach at Cinderford Rugby Club.

Cornwell says he can no longer commit himself to the Foresters because of increased commitments at Gloucester Rugby Club, where he is the rugby academy manager.

“These things happen,” said the former Gloucester and England second-row.

“My job at Gloucester Rugby Club has changed and that’s my priority.

“I am now assisting Carl Hogg, the Gloucester forwards coach, and need to be with Gloucester on match days.

“Cinderford will be fine, but I need to concentrate on my day job. I was spreading myself too thinly.”

As Gloucester’s academy manager, Cornwell will still be responsible for sending many of Kingsholm’s rising talents down to Dockham Road for first-team experience. He says at least half-a-dozen players will be heading to the Forest in September.

Cinderford’s director of rugby Pete Glanville confirmed the club were already talking to other coaches, but said it did not mean there would be a direct replacement for Cornwell.

Glanville said: “The club has still got myself, Phil Greenaway and Andy Deacon.

“Although Mark is stepping down as head coach we hope to involve him in a part-time consultancy role.

“He’s done a fantastic job but this is a great opportunity for him.

“As a club we would not hold back any player or coach.”

“We will still be working in partnership with Gloucester.”

- this is gloucestershire