JERSEY Rugby Club will appoint a new, full-time professional coach for the start of the 2008-2009 season.

That was the unanimous decision made by the 14-man JRFC executive committee on Thursday, following the surprise resignation of the club’s first professional coach, Barry George, earlier this month.

‘I was delighted by the executive’s decision,’ said chairman Chris Scott afterwards. ‘We all recognised the contribution Baz (Barry George) has made this year, not just to the club sides but to the Academy as well.

‘Whoever we appoint will also be heavily involved with the Academy. That is one of the reasons why the two people actively looking for a coach will be Dai Burton (JRFC director of rugby) and Nigel Metcalfe, who represents the Academy on the committee.

‘As the current UK season is coming to an end, with several coaches looking for a new club, I’d imagine we’ll be looking first to the mainland, although we’re not worried about nationality.

‘Baz also handed in his notice in plenty of time to find a replacement, which we appreciate.

‘The authorities have been very supportive in giving whoever we appoint a J-category, and we would hope to fund the appointment partly through the club and partly through sponsors.

‘Ashburton have been tremendous this year, and now the executive have made their decision, I’d hope to talk with them again regarding next season.