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Speculation is rife in the press and media with rugby forums and social networks buzzing on the events occurring at Taunton RFC over recent days.

Players Response

The 1st XV made their statement on the field at Hyde Park on Saturday, with an emphatic 37-12 demolition of an inform Barnes side.

In the absence of Waddon, who was indeed suspended from his role as Director of Rugby on Friday 20th January, coaches Tony Yapp and Jason Luff took control to head up the 1st XV match day functions. With the team racing to a 32-0 bonus point lead after fifty-two minutes of play, Yapp and Luff underlined the quality of their credentials.

The players took their buoyant mood into the clubhouse after the match where Chris Bentley, who had been on duty with Exeter Chiefs during the afternoon, joined them in celebrating a fine performance on the field.

Waddon Suspension

Following a confidential meeting requested by 1st XV players and coaches with club officials on Thursday 19th January, and subsequent inquiries and rapidly moving developments at the club the next day, a group of seven senior management committee members, after seeking legal advise, informed Lee Waddon that to protect the best interests of himself and the club he was to be suspended pending the completion of their enquiries.

It was a shock development, but one the committee members who were present at the club deemed the right course of action.

Committee Resignations  

The club’s internal phone and messaging system was busy on Friday with rumours of resignations and threatened resignations.

To date we can confirm only Danny Ward, Keith Cooling, and Jason Wallis have resigned from their positions on the Management Committee. Jack Matthews represented the club at Saturday’s pre-match functions and Chris Bentley was at the club with the players once his duties at Sandy Park were completed. Management committee member Colin Gould is reported to have resigned, but this is currently yet to be confirmed.  

Chairman Returns

Club Chairmen Pete Stone returns from a family holiday abroad this week, and is expected to take executive control of matters at the club.

1st XV Team Management

Coaches Tony Yapp, Jason Luff, and Chris Bentley will be managing 1st XV playing matters pending the outcome of the enquiry into Director of Rugby Waddons suspension.