MIKE Lewis has been named as the new head coach at Launceston Rugby Club, following the recent resignation of director of rugby, Neil Bayliss, writes Suzanne Cleave.

Lewis was forwards coach under Bayliss, and he will carry on with this role in addition to his head coach position.

He will be joined by two of Launceston's most experienced players — Ryan Westren and Kieron Lewitt.

Westren, the club's strength and conditioning coach, will coach the backs and he will be assisted by Lewitt, who is currently unable to play following an injury he sustained last season.

Launceston, who play in National Two South, are looking to improve on last season's 10th place league position, despite losing some of their players to Plymouth Albion.

At the club's AGM on Monday evening, chairman Paul Harrison thanked Bayliss, Lewis and Pale Nonu for their work last season and offered his best wishes to this year's coaching trio.

He offered his congratulations to the players who have departed — Jake Murphy, Matt Shepherd, Billy Searle, Christian Judge and Jon Dawe, adding: "I'd like to think if they don't quite crack it they would be more than welcome back. We've got to make do with what we've got, utilise core players and young people."

The club has recently adopted an open forum approach, in the hope of improving communication — between the club, players and supporters.

Paul added: "We hope the supporters get behind us whatever happens on the pitch. Let's try and reunite the club."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.