Launceston future 'sound' despite relegation, says Jimmy Tucker

Launceston drew with Southend when they met in November, the only time they have avoided defeat this season

Launceston boss Jimmy Tucker says the club's future "is sound" despite suffering relegation from National Two South after a 19-13 loss at Southend.

The Cornish All Blacks had led but a converted try in the last play of the game sealed their fate.

"We'll take a step down next season, gather ourselves together, but we will have the team," Tucker said.

"The relegation thing, to be fair, we were resigned to weeks ago so that wasn't an issue for us."

Launceston are rooted to the bottom of the table with a draw and 22 defeats this season, though former player Matt Jess, now at Premiership side Exeter, has backed them to bounce back next season.

Tucker took charge in November after former head coach Mike Lewis left by mutual consent.

"I believe that Launceston's future is sound," added Tucker to BBC Radio Cornwall.

"We're blooding players that are up to the task and they're growing into the shirts and they will be given more opportunities to grow in the shirt.

"We'd love to get one win - we turn up to every game and give it a crack, and on paper there are still winnable games left."