RUSSELL Lawrance said he has “no regrets” from his time in charge of Penryn and is sad to be forced to call time on his career there.

As revealed by Packet Sport on Saturday, Borough’s head coach announced he was stepping down from his position at the Memorial Ground due to new work commitments which have seen him move to London.

He took over the coaching role at Penryn last summer but notified the club’s chairman Robert Stephens after their 24-20 defeat at home to Wellington he could not commit further to the role.

Under Lawrance’s guidance, the club has seen a number of young players progress into the first team ranks including James Salisbury, Callum Hinchley and Jack Willey who have all impressed this season.

With the squad rebuilding and youth approach taken, results had been indifferent over the season with nine wins and 14 defeats in the Tribute Western Counties West.

Speaking to the Packet, Lawrance, who works in the teaching profession, said he believes the team are moving in the right direction.

Lawrance said: “I’m delighted with the time I have spent here. It has been a real challenge this year and it has been all about building discipline and a new infrastructure at the club.

“The plan we started last summer will take about three years to get through, but rebuilding any sports club takes time and it is all about having the courage in your convictions to get it working and see it through.

“I have absolutely no regrets from my time in charge. I set out to do a certain job and I’ve done that job.

“I have nothing but admiration for the players and club as a whole and wish them the very best in the future and to whoever takes over from me as head coach.”

Rumours had surfaced of unrest among committee members at the club, who allegedly wanted to sack Lawrance, only for the players to demand he stay until at least the season’s end.

These allegations have not been confirmed and when asked, Lawrance said he was “unaware” of any situation like this.

He went on to say his decision to leave was purely down to work related matters.

“When I came onboard, I had told the committee I was looking to progress my career,” he said.

“With my new job, it has become increasingly difficult for me to travel back for games and training.

“I went along on Saturday before the Wellington game and told Marek [Churcher, assistant coach] and Gareth [Tedstone, forwards coach] to take charge.

“I then spoke to the chairman and told him I could not commit long term and that I thought it was best for me to stand down.

“It is sad to go, but it is the way of life and I am not a professional rugby coach and I have to make things work with my professional life.”

The players were not told before their match on Saturday about Lawrance’s decision, but the Yorkshireman said he has now spoken to a couple of players.

“I decided not to tell them ahead of the game because I didn’t want to distract them,” Lawrance said.

“Obviously since Saturday they have found out and I have spoken to George Jones and Andrew Seviour as they are captain and vice captain.

“They have both said they understand why I made the decision and have also said they are very keen to carry on with the culture we have been building.

“I have massive respect for them and all the players at the club and I believe they will do well in the future.”