Neil Bayliss: Launceston director of rugby steps down

Launceston lost seven games by a one-point margin last season

Launceston director of rugby Neil Bayliss has stepped down because of "cuts" at the National Two South club.

His shock resignation came after an emergency board meeting on Monday, where it was confirmed the Cornish All Blacks' playing budget would be "dramatically reduced".

"I believe these cuts will render the club's league status unsustainable," Bayliss said in a statement.

"We will undoubtedly lose the majority of the current squad."

He added: "New signings will not materialise and, as a result of this, results on the pitch will suffer."

Bayliss became Launceston boss on a permanent deal in April 2014 and led them to a 10th-placed finish in the fourth tier of English rugby.

The players were due to start pre-season training later today.

"I feel let down off the pitch," said Bayliss. "I feel that I cannot achieve what I set out to achieve with things as they are.

"I find it incredibly sad that the board don't have the confidence to back the squad during Rugby World Cup year, when the finances of every rugby club in the country should be thriving.

"Many of our most loyal players are self-employed and travel up to 480 miles a week to train and play for this club that they love. The money they are paid barely covers their costs and they cannot afford to do it without a certain level of recompense."