Wharfedale coach James Tiffany is to leave the club to pursue his teaching career in New Zealand. Realising an ambition which he has been working on for some time and which he disclosed to the club at the outset.

The opportunity has now arisen, and he leaves shortly after Christmas.

Director of Rugby Michael Harrison is full of praise for his departing coach, who has taken the club into the upper reaches of National One.

Harrison said: “Tiff fitted in at Wharfedale right from his first training session in June 2008, clearly sharing with all the players our common goals of excellence, endeavour and enjoyment: the Wharfedale ethic.

“We know that his coaching skills will serve him well in the future, and our thanks and best wishes go with him to Christchurch.”

Succeeding Tiffany as head of coaching is Leeds Carnegie’s Jason Strange, who has been part of Wharfedale’s coaching set-up since the beginning of the season.

The 36-year-old Welsh fly-half and prolific goalkicker, who has played for Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale, Newport and Bristol, will be supported in the coaching role by Wharfedale stalwarts Alex Howarth and Hedley Verity, with the brothers Peel completing an impressive all-round coaching team.

Saturday’s match against in-form Launceston (kick-off 2pm) will be Tiffany’s last home match, and his players will be very keen to send him off with a win.