A POPULAR coach who teaches youth rugby in a host of schools while masterminding a club’s promotion push has unexpectedly been forced to step down from his post.

South African-born Dwain Brown, the head coach and rugby development officer at Bury St Edmunds RUFC, is returning to South Africa at the end of this month after experiencing problems with his visa.

Brown admitted he was disappointed at leaving the Suffolk side as well as ending his work in schools in Bury and Stowmarket. But he spoke positively and highly of rugby in the area, especially amongst the many youngsters he has coached.

Brown said: “It is a shock to the system. We have all been working hard to push the club forward and put structures in place for youth and mini rugby.

“The youth section is now going well and I have been very impressed and encouraged with the amount of interest youngsters in the area have had in rugby.”

Brown initially spent eight years playing for Stellenbosch RFC, one of South Africa’s oldest clubs, before he moved to London to continue his studies.

He then spent time as head of PE at Finborough School before he was approached to become Bury’s rugby development officer three years ago.

Alongside this community role, he has been player-coach of the town’s first team – praising the guidance shown by director of rugby Terry Sands.

Brown said: “At 30 years old, I am quite a young coach and I must thank Terry for taking me under his wing. I have gained a lot of experience from him.

“There has been a lot of groundwork done at the club and I am positive things will go well, although it is a little early to talk about promotions or play-offs.”

Brown will be replaced at Bury by Roger Coombs who, in the first instance, will act as head coach and rugby development officer until the end of the season.

Speaking to Brown, it appears he is a victim of unfortunate circumstance - not for one minute did he want to leave Bury.

He explained: “I love the job –coaching senior rugby, the pressures, and the work we have done with youth rugby which I am very pleased with. It is a sport I love and I will miss Bury and the area a great deal.”