Leeds Tykes and head coach Jon Callard go separate ways following National One relegation

A drop that had been on the cards for some time was confirmed at the weekend when the Tykes were hammered 75-10 at third-placed Cambridge – their sixth straight loss.

It’s no more than can be expected in a campaign which has brought just four wins from 23 games so far.

In a statement, the club say the decision for Callard to move was ‘mutual'.

Callard – who helped mastermind Tykes’ famous Powergen Cup win over Bath at Twickenham in 2005 – returned to the club in November 2021, being appointed initially as head coach by his former boss Phil Davies.

Davies moved on within a couple of months, however, taking up a position as director of rugby with World Rugby, resulting in a promotion for Callard.

Pete Seabourne, who has been a leading part of the Tykes' management team for the past two seasons, will assume immediate responsibility for rugby matters for the rest of this season.

He will continue in the role on a permanent basis into the 2023-24 season as the club strives to bounce back to National One at the first attempt.

In a club statement, the Tykes said: “The board and everyone at Leeds Tykes would like to thank Jon Callard for his commitment to the club over the past two seasons.

"It is recognised that Jon had a major part to play in the rebuild of Leeds Tykes at a difficult time for the club. Jon has had a significant impact and he will always be welcomed at Leeds Tykes.”