Knights boss set to leave
LYNN Howells is to stand down as Doncaster Knights' director of rugby at the end of next season, the Free Press can reveal.
The popular Welshman will see out the final year of his contract at the club before seeking a fresh challenge in the game.
Howells has played a major role in establishing Doncaster as a genuine force in the second tier since his arrival in 2007.
But the former Wales coach, who is busy overhauling his squad as part of a summer of cost-cutting at Castle Park, has decided that his longer term future lies elsewhere.
Howells said: "I've done four years at Doncaster and I think it's time at the end of next season for somebody else to take over.
"My one aim before I go is to leave the Knights in a better position than when I arrived.
"I'll be sorry to go," he added.
"But this is the right decision for the club.
"It's the right time."
Howells, who hails from the Welsh Valleys, immediately led Doncaster to a fourth-placed finish in National League One.
Last season he guided the club to the newly-named Championship's promotion play-offs, as well as the semi-finals of the inaugural British & Irish Cup.
He said: "I've enjoyed myself.
"The club has been very supportive and the supporters have been great.
"It's something I'm glad I've done.
"When I came here it was an old squad and I've brought down the average age.
"There's an extra incentive to do well this coming season, with it being my last," he added.
"There's less of a budget to work with but I still think the quality will be there.
"I'll be sad to leave Doncaster - but that's a long way away yet.
"There's a big season ahead of us and I hope to leave the club in a strong position."
Howells, who signed a new two-year contract last year, has informed the Knights board of his decision not renew his current deal.
He continued his squad rebuilding by last week securing the signature of Moseley fly half Tristan Roberts - the Championship's top points scorer last season.
The 23-year-old former Gloucester and Bristol man landed 236 points last term.
Knights have also beaten off competition from several Championship clubs to sign 21-year-old Bath No 8 Ed Jackson.
Coventry scrum half Nathan Jones, Cornish Pirates' Paul Devlin, Rotherham's Matt Challinor, Tongan back row Latu Makaafi and young Sheffield Tigers lock Dominic Parsons will also be part of Howells' new-look squad for the 2010/11 campaign.
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