Waddon And Taunton RFC To Part Company

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Taunton Rugby Club Chairman Pete Stone has announced that Lee Waddons five-year tenancy as Director of Rugby has come to an end by mutual agreement.

Pete Stone went on to say, “Lee has been with us as a player, and more recently as Director of Rugby, during some of the most successful and exciting times in the history of the club.

“As a player his contribution on the field was always 100% and full blooded, these qualities were maintained throughout his role as Director of Rugby. Lee guided Taunton through the provincial leagues to win unprecedented back-to-back promotions in 2009 and 2010, including an unbeaten league run of 48 games, taking the club to its highest ever level of national league rugby.

“Under Lee Taunton also secured the 2008 Somerset County Cup, and the year after in 2009 he was instrumental in the winning of the prestigious BBC Sports Team of the Year award. In the time that Lee has been in office here at Taunton he was at the helm for 120 league games, winning 88, drawing 1, and losing just 31.

“He has been ever-present, not missing a single 1st XV game in 5 years. We owe Lee a huge debt of gratitude for all his hard work and dedication during those momentous times. However, both Lee and the club think the time is right to go our separate ways. Taunton RFC wishes Lee every success for the future.”

Lee’s Reply To Press Statement

In reply Mr Waddon said, “It is a big wrench for me, as Taunton RFC has not just been my professional life it has been much more than that for the past five years. 

“I was proud to be Director of Rugby of my home town club where I started my playing career, and am equally proud of my many achievements on and off the field over the past years. It has been an eventful, successful and momentous journey for us all, a journey that will continue for Taunton RFC but sadly for me without myself but as the Chairman Pete Stone says, the time is right for us to go our separate ways. I sincerely hope that I leave Taunton Rugby Club a better place than when I first arrived.

“I have made many good friends at Taunton RFC and hope to keep these friendships alive in the future. There are a huge amount of amazing volunteers and supporters and I would like to thank them all for their magnificent support. I would also like to personally thank all those who have helped in their relentless hard work in assisting me to take TRFC forward.

“I’m exploring a few avenues, but in the immediate future I’m taking a short sabbatical to charge my batteries, spend some quality time with my family, and consider my options within the game. 

“The popularity of rugby union continues on an upward curve. I will miss Taunton, but it’s a big game and I have ambitions of my own to pursue. I wish Pete and the club well for the future.”