The brothers have been an integral part of the Mackinlay Park coaching setup since returning to the club 5yrs ago from National League Rugby with Darlington Mowden Park, something both brothers look back fondly on and will be the first to admit brought that attitude to training and playing back to Mackinlay Park.

With three third position finishes alongside an unbeaten home run which secured promotion to D&N1 in the 2016/17 season it certainly seemed to work and players bought into what was needed to not only succeed but enjoy their rugby.

Unfortunately after a difficult season in D&N1, with availability and commitment at an all-time low, numbers at training were non-existent, older Brother Neil took a back seat from coaching prior to Christmas but still offered himself as a player. Richie took the helm and quickly became frustrated with the lack of commitment to playing and training.

Both brothers decided to give it one more season but after a poor preseason with little to no commitment from players to train and make themselves available for friendlies, having to cry off two prior arranged fixtures, the brothers have decided to call it a day and hope that someone steps up or a change to coaching may see more players engage/commit to the season ahead for both 1st XV and Mariners.

As a club we are devastated with this news and have nothing but praise for both Neil & Richie who have turned down a number of opportunities to remain faithful and coach voluntarily at their home club for the past 5yrs, something which is alien to most clubs this day and age, and for that we can only thank them both and wish them well in the future, however that may look.

Both brothers continue to coach for Yorkshire Carnegie ERDPP, Richie is also the Head Coach for Yorkshire U15’s Girls, Neil, on the other hand, is a Coach Educator for England Rugby so is helping support and up-skill coaches of the future.

Both are extremely busy away from Redcar RUFC so will not be far from a ball, pitch or dugout that’s for sure.

Good Luck and Thank you for everything you have given to the club over the years.