Justin Burnell leaves Rotherham Titans

Burnell, who took the reins towards the end of last season and helped stave off the threat of relegation, was unable to transform the team into top-four contenders this season.

They were beaten 17-9 by Jersey on Saturday, a result that leaves them 10th, one point and one place off the bottom of the league with two games to go.

They would have been serious contenders to be relegated to National One had London Welsh not gone out of business, rendering demotion this season a non-issue.

A club statement read: “Rotherham Titans Rugby Club have today announced the departure of head coach Justin Burnell.

“Justin will leave the club with immediate effect.

“It has been a difficult season and the club feels now is the right time to make a change.

“The club wishes to thank Justin and wish him every success in the future.”