Plymouth Albion coach Graham Dawe sacked by club

Graham Dawe became player-coach at Albion in 1999

Plymouth Albion have sacked chairman of rugby Graham Dawe.

Former England hooker Dawe has been on the club's coaching staff since 1999 and will be replaced by former Exeter Chiefs head coach Pete Drewett.

The 52-year-old only stopped playing for the Championship club at the end of last season after a career which saw him win five England caps.

Dawe said he had 'no comment' on the rumours when asked about them by BBC South West on Monday morning.

Plymouth Albion will hold a news conference to unveil Drewett as their new boss on Tuesday.

Dawe's side are currently third from bottom in the Championship and lost 34-10 at Nottingham on Friday night.

He guided the side from the foot of the old National Three South to the second tier of English clubs rugby.

Last season Albion narrowly avoided relegation after coming second bottom in the Championship's relegation play-off group.

Last week he voiced his concerns over plans for the Cornish Pirates to groundshare with Plymouth Argyle should they be promoted to the Premiership next season.

Albion were knocked out of the British and Irish Cup after losing at home to Ayr earlier this month.