BREAKING: Titans part company with coach Andy Key

ROTHERHAM Titans have this afternoon parted company with head coach Andy Key after just nine months in charge.

Today's 36-19 home defeat against Doncaster Knights was the final straw for the Clifton Lane board with Titans now a massive 19 points behind n the fight for Championship survival. Assistant coach Nic Rouse will take temporary charge of the team.

Clearly Titans officials have been unhappy with the string of defeats which has left the club staring at relegation and heading to the third tier for the first time in 21 years.

Said a  statement just an hour after the Doncaster game: "Rotherham Rugby Club has today announced the departure of head coach Andy Key.

"The club would like to put on record its thanks to Andy for his commitment and hard work during his time at Clifton Lane and wish him all the best for the future."

Rouse now takes the helm for next Saturday';s trip to Hartpury.

Rouse arrived at the Lane last March alongside Key and has been primarily in charge of the forwards. He played with Nottingham, Sale and London Irish before turning his attention to coaching alongside Key.