Poching to leave Hull KR

Hull KR have revealed that assistant coach Willie Poching will depart from the club at the end of the season.

The 42-year-old’s contract is up at the end of the current campaign, and he has been given the opportunity to seek a more senior coaching role elsewhere.

Rovers’ head of rugby Jamie Peacock insisted that Poching would retain full respect of everyone at the club until his departure.

“We have decided to part ways with Willie at the end of the season but he will leave us with our best wishes for the future,” Peacock said.

“I think the time is right for Willie to fulfil his long-term ambition to be a head coach. The moment comes in a coach’s career when he has moved past being an assistant and Willie is ready for a bigger role now.

“He showed in his few games in charge here earlier in the season that he has the right skillset and experience to be successful as a head coach and I’ve no doubt that he will find the right opportunity.

“In the meantime, Willie is a respected member of our coaching department and he will continue to do his duties to the best of his abilities until the end of the season.”