Head coach Andy Foley is leaving Maidstone Rugby Club after four years in charge.

Foley intends to see out the season before taking over at Westcombe Park in the summer.
He wants to go out on a high by guiding Maidstone to London 1 South.

And while he feels there are players capable of playing at National League level with Park, he insists he won’t be taking any of Maidstone’s squad with him.

Foley said: “I’ve had a great four years here and it’s a difficult decision to leave.

“It’s a big challenge to be director of rugby at a National League club and it’s also only a 10-minute drive from my house.

“I was part of the senior coaching team there nine years ago, looking after the seconds and the development side and I was sounded out about going back.

“The committee at Maidstone were a little surprised when I told them but they were supportive of my decision.

“A lot of the work for next season starts now, so I wanted to give them plenty of warning.

“I’d love to stay and finish the season but if the committee decide they need to get someone for the interim period, then I fully understand.”

Foley led Maidstone to the London 3 South East title with a 100% record last season and also reached two national semi-finals in the Senior Vase.

He said: “It’s my intention and desire to get us into London 1 and leave on a high.

“It’s my side and it’s a wrench to leave them. The unbeaten season is something we’ll cherish and remember for a long time.

“There’s an assumption we had a big budget but it was done on a shoestring with homegrown talent, local boys and two or three overseas players to add an extra dimension.”