Pontypool RFC tonight announces that the club has mutually agreed to part company with Head Coach Mike Hook with immediate effect.
Pontypool RFC Corporate Director, Ben Jeffreys, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the services offered by Mike Hook throughout his tenure at the club. I think this announcement is a celebration of what Mike has delivered to the club, but also demonstrates how Pontypool RFC has evolved to where it genuinely contributes to the development of its coaches, staff and players for the betterment of their long term prospects.”
“We are very proud of what we have achieved together and I am particularly proud of the stability the club now holds, in that we have the structures in place to react to such a fundamental change of leadership with such positivity. I think that is a credit to the culture that exists within the club that has been led by Mike and his equally supportive coaching staff.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike for his services and we all wish him every success in his forthcoming role.”
Hook, who initially joined the club five years ago as Backs Coach before leading the team as Head Coach from the 2012/2013 season to the conclusion of the 2013/2014 season - guiding the club to a 4th place finishing the SWALEC Championship - will join the Ospreys region as Backs Coach for both the Ospreys Academy and Bridgend Ravens RFC.
“I would like to thank everyone involved at Pontypool RFC for the opportunity I was given at this great club,” said Hook. “It has been a hard decision between both the club and myself, but we have all agreed that this is an appropriate time for me to take this career opportunity.”
“I have made many friends at the club over the last five years and regardless of the situation the club has been in, we have all always fought for what the club represents and I have no doubt that this will remain the case in the future. I would like to offer my sincerest of thanks to everybody who has supported Pontypool RFC in any capacity week in, week out and I wish everybody all the best in the future.”
Pontypool RFC would like to this opportunity to thank Mike for his services to the club and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.
The club will announce any additions to the coaching system at Pontypool RFC in due course, along with several other positive club announcements within the coming days.
Pontypool RFC Team Manager, Shaun Rees and Forwards Coach, Leighton Jones will manage all rugby aspects of the club during this period, with both also retaining their positions with the club for the 2014/2015 season.
