SUFFOLK Rugby Union are looking for a new coach and manager following the fantastic work of Mark Bolton and Bill Vine last year.

The county association are appealing for Level 2-trained people to apply and take the county side forward following a decent spell on the pitch.

Martin Peacock, secretary of the SRU, said: “We are anxious to continue that success. The players like to play for their county and get a county cap while benefiting from a bit more high-quality coaching.”

In addition to playing matches against neighbouring counties, Peacock believes managing or coaching Suffolk would be a “great honour” and could lead to higher accolades.

He said: “They will be coaching a higher level of players and it is a great honour to serve your county in this way.

“It would be a step up for them, something to put on their CV. It could also be the next step to helping at Eastern Counties level.”

Peacock paid tribute to Vine and Bolton saying: “They were brilliant and played an attractive style of rugby. They did an excellent job and had a good team around them. They were marvellous to watch and winning was just a bonus.”

The county are also looking for a new coach and manager for the newly-formed women’s side although Peacock revealed there was a “frontrunner” and that they were close to making an appointment.

Therefore, the double appointment for the men’s side is the bigger “priority” for the association.

Anyone interested in either position should contact Peacock on 01284 761536 or email peacockrm@aol.com.