Jersey Reds have confirmed that Assistant Coach Alex Rae will leave the Club at the end of the current season.
With his wife Emily expecting the couple's second child, Rae has asked to be released from his contract at the end of the season in order to return to England.
"We're disappointed to be losing Alex, who has played an important role for us in his first year as a coach," said Chairman Mark Morgan. "However we understand and respect his reasons for wanting to make this move, and we wish him and his family all the best.
"We're already considering options for Alex's successor, however our immediate focus is on a big finish to the current season."
31-year-old Rae was appointed to his current post at the end of last season, when he finished a playing career that had encompassed around 240 games for Northampton Saints, Bedford Blues and Jersey. He captained the Reds for three seasons after moving to the Island in summer 2013, and returned to the field of play for two games last October in response to a large number of injuries.
Alex Rae said: "I've really enjoyed my time with Jersey and will be leaving with some great memories and many new friends. It's been a great journey from battling relegation to now fighting for a place in the play-offs.
"I wish the club all the best in the future and hope the Reds continue going from strength to strength. I'd like to thank the supporters who have backed us through thick and thin, and also the players who have made my first year of coaching such an enjoyable experience."
Picture by Sue Armes
