Jersey coach Ben Evans leaves Championship club

Jersey's player-coach Ben Evans has parted company with the Championship club.

In a statement released by the club, chairman Bill Dempsey said the decision had been reached by mutual consent.

"It was agreed that it would be in the best interests of all parties for Ben to relinquish his position," he said.

"This decision was reached by mutual consent, after a review in which the challenges of combining the two elements of his role were discussed."

The former Wales international joined Jersey in August 2011 as player-coach.

He played the first six matches of this season and featured in almost every game last season as Jersey were promoted to the Championship.

The former Sale, Cardiff and Swansea prop won 27 caps for Wales and earlier this year told BBC Jersey that he had an offer to play for Lyon in the French league.

At the halfway stage of their first Championship season Jersey are bottom of the table, following defeat by Doncaster.

Director of rugby Ben Harvey was quick to praise Evans' commitment to the club.

"Ben was a very positive presence in our squad from the moment he arrived," he said.

"He played a major role, both on and off the field, in our successful campaign as champions of National One last season.

"His passion and commitment towards Jersey rugby were never in doubt and he leaves with our very best wishes for the future."