WELLINGTON Rugby Club have announced that Dave Sims has stepped down as first team coach "with immediate effect".

The former England, Gloucester, Worcester and Taunton second row, now 42, has brought the club plenty of success since being appointed five years ago.

During that time, Wellington earned promotion to Western Counties West after winning the Devon and Cornwall League without losing a game and won the Somerset Vase.

Club chairman Ashley Colman said last night: "Dave has done a splendid job for us and he is a huge loss to the club. When he arrived he brought a breath of fresh air to the club.

"Everyone who has played under Dave has thoroughly enjoyed his coaching methods and his ability to bring out the best in players.

"He is a very popular member at the club and we wish him all the best. Obviously we would love to see him back at the club in the future"

"Matt Parsons, who has already accepted the role of backs coach, will be part of the interim coaching set-up for this weekend's trip to Paignton for the first team."

Wellington were due to hold a main committee meeting this week to discuss the vacancy.

Wellington have suffered some disappointing results in Western Counties this season, mainly because of a spate of injuries.

Sims, himself, was again missing from the side which drew 18pts-18 at home against Okehampton on Saturday because of an injury, It was thought he would retire from playing at the end of last season but decided during the summer to continue playing.

Wellington's target at the beginning of the season was a top-three finish in Western Counties and that's now looking highly unlikely.