CRAIG White and Dan Connolly have left their coaching roles at Bournemouth RFC – just eight weeks after taking over on a permanent basis.

The duo, alongside former Premiership star Tim Collier, took the reins on an interim basis with Lions teetering on the brink of relegation from National Three South West last season.

However, the rejuvenated Chapel Gate outfit won five out of nine league matches to comfortably secure their status in rugby union’s fifth tier and bullish White targeted a promotion push having confirmed his intent to stay in mid-April.

A statement from chairman Phil Sinkinson tonight unveiled senior player Will Croker as the club’s head coach with the support of retired first-team players Jon Sanchez and Jo Burns.

The release made no reference to the position of White and Connolly.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, president Doug Warren confirmed White and Connolly had left their positions following a meeting with Sinkinson.

More to follow.

STATEMENT FROM BOURNEMOUTH RFC CHAIRMAN PHIL SINKINSON

After some difficult conversations we have now established our coaching structure in the senior set up for the next few years.

We are pleased to announce that Will Croker has been appointed as head coach and that he will be assisted by recently retired first-team players Jon Sanchez and Jo Burns.

Will has some new ideas which he wants to bring to the club and his vision for the next few years fits well with our own vision. I hope you will all give Will and his team massive support.

We hope that there will be additional appointments in the next few weeks.

Mark Mulcahy will continue his outstanding work with the Academy and as club coaching coordinator and coaching development officer.

Will and Mark will hopefully help move the club forwards over the next three to five years and will bring on some of our outstanding younger coaches to work with the seniors in the near future.

*The full statement can be found here.