Codling to quit as Titans' coach

Codling took over following the axing of Andre Bester at the end of October but it is understood that he was due to meet the players and staff today to tell them that he will quit the Clifton Lane club at the end of the season.

The 39-year-old is expected to cite personal reasons for his decision and the Titans board now face the job of finding a fourth coach inside a year. After Bester’s departure, Lee Blackett briefly took over as player-coach before Codling’s arrival.

Blackett will be in the frame as a potential successor.

Londoner Codling didn’t relocate to Rotherham after being appointed, preferring to travel north twice a week from his Surrey home.

He won his only cap for England under Sir Clive Woodward against Argentina in 2002. After retiring from playing, he coached at Ebbw Vale, London Welsh and London Scottish.