Willie Poching to leave Hull KR in search for more senior role

Assistant coach Poching is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, and the former New Zealand and Samoa international wants a more senior role at another club.

“We have decided to part ways with Willie at the end of the season but he will leave us with our best wishes for the future,” said head of rugby Jamie Peacock.

“I think the time is right for Willie to fulfil his long-term ambition to be a head coach. The moment comes in a coach’s career when he has moved past being an assistant and Willie is ready for a bigger role now.

“He showed in his few games in charge here earlier in the season that he has the right skillset and experience to be successful as a head coach and I’ve no doubt that he will find the right opportunity.

“In the meantime, Willie is a respected member of our coaching department and he will continue to do his duties to the best of his abilities until the end of the season.”

Poching moved into coaching in 2006 and was part of the backroom staff at Leeds Rhinos under first Tony Smith and then Brian McClennan, before following Smith to Warrington Wolves.

The 42-year-old also had a stint as the Samoan national coach and a brief spell in charge of first team duties at Rovers earlier this season following the departure of head coach Chris Chester.