Bester steps down at Titans

The South African resigned on Wednesday night after a long-running rift between himself and key figures at the club.

Months of infighting resulting from a verbal clash between Bester and one of his coaching staff reached a climax when he met the board this week for a disciplinary hearing to answer charges against him, charges he strongly denied and which the club stood by.

But after several hours of talks on Monday and another meeting on Wednesday came the news that he had called time on his second spell at Clifton Lane.

He said in a statement: “It is with regret that I have resigned my position of head coach of Rotherham.

"I am ready for a new challenge in my career and am looking forward to hopefully working in a set-up where professionalism is at the centre of the culture."

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked on a day to day basis closely with me."

Rob Hannon, CEO of Rotherham Rugby Club, said: "We have been in a process with Andre which was to be completed today. Andre has chosen to resign before that process could be completed. Rotherham Titans has acted honestly, decently and with integrity at all times in the best interests of the club, its staff and supporters.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Andre for his efforts on our behalf and wish him all the very best in the future."

For full story and reaction see today's Rotherham Advertiser.

Lee Blackett takes charge of the team at home to Doncaster tomorrow.