Shropshire’s highest graded rugby club has been left reeling by the departure of the county’s most successful coach – just two weeks before the start of the league season, writes James Garrison.

Ginge Wills has resigned as coach of Midlands One outfit Newport after five seasons at Forton Road.

Wills took over at Newport with the club languishing in Midlands Four. But he has guided them to three promotions – and to within one game of Twickenham last season, only to lose to Chester in the semi-finals of the EDF Intermediate Cup.

“There have been quite a few issues around that didn’t look like they were going to be resolved,” said Wills, who remains the only man to guide a Shropshire club – Whitchurch – into the National Leagues.

“I’m not willing to divulge what the issues were but it was on the management side.

“It’s disappointing because if we had recruited the right players – and I was trying to – I think we could have been challenging for promotion.

“Newport are a good club and I’d like to thank the players because they have been fantastic – but I have got my principles.”

Newport chairman of rugby Ray Price admitted the club – who have recently appointed Gareth Davies as manager – were disappointed at the departure of Wills.

“It did come as a shock and it was entirely Ginge’s decision – the club didn’t want him to go,” said Price.

“He has been a wonderful servant and helped bring the club back from the doldrums.”

“The club has an awful lot to be grateful to him for but it’s not about individuals. It’s about the players and how the club is made up.”