CHAIRMAN Phil Sinkinson says the appointment of a director of rugby at Bournemouth will allow the club’s coaches to further flourish.

Lions advertised the new role on Wednesday with candidates having until Monday, January 25 to submit their applications.

The director of rugby will be required to put in a minimum of 24 hours a week and will take on a number of administrative tasks.

However, Sinkinson was keen to point out that Lions were willing to be flexible and adapt the job description if necessary.

He told the Daily Echo: “We are very keen to support our outstanding coaching team and this role will allow them to do what they are really good at.

“What we’re trying to do is put in place a support mechanism to help them go forward.

“The successful candidate would take away a lot of administrative stuff that the head coach (Will Croker) has to do.

“There is some flexibility in it and whoever we appoint will dictate how the job description evolves.

“For example, if it’s a coach that applies then we will adapt the role so that the person could continue coaching.”

Lions are keen to hear from internal applicants in particular and Sinkinson explained that this was to encourage continuity.

He added: “There is a family feel in the club at the moment and to a large extent that is what is driving us forward.

“Sometimes, if you bring in someone from outside, it can have a negative effect and I don’t want that to happen.

“I would very much like to keep it within the club and retain that feeling of solidarity and kinship."

  • Bournemouth stalwart Sam Hardcastle is set to play his 250th league game at scrum-half against Exmouth tomorrow (2pm).

Hardcastle is Lions' leading points scorer on 808 and has scored 31 tries, another club record.

He is in his 18th season with the Chapel Gate club and will receive a commemorative engraved mug after the game.