Phil Greening leaves London Welsh

London Welsh have parted company with head coach Phil Greening.

The former England hooker, who joined the Championship club in 2009, has been linked with the vacant Leeds job and a return to his former club Wasps.

Greening worked with the England sevens team after he retired from playing in 2005 with a foot injury.

"I have enjoyed my time at London Welsh, especially how the fans have embraced both me and our style of play," the 35-year-old said.

Greening took London Welsh to the Championship play-off semi-finals this season, after they finished second behind eventual champions Worcester in Pool A, but they lost out to beaten finalists Cornish Pirates.

"I would like to thank the players for all their efforts and friendship over the last two seasons, and I will continue to follow each of their careers closely," he added.

"I have really benefited from my experiences at London Welsh and believe these will stand me in good stead for the future.

"I am now looking forward to a new coaching challenge in England and using all that I have learnt at London Welsh to develop my coaching career further."

Full article on BBC Sport - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/13500742.stm?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter


Who do you think will take over and what are your thoughts on Greening?

Greening was part of a double act, I think, altho his other half's name escapes me. Seems to me like he did a pretty decent job at London Welsh and wouldn't at all be surprised to see him kick on. Suspect the Wasps job may be too big for him just yet, so perhaps more likely to have Leeds as his destination, but who knows? Good luck to him

I think that I am amazed that I am the same age as old jug ears. I retired in 2005 as well due to getting married. Being an outsider, can you tell me what is the style he talks about? Was it open exciting rugby befitting of the 1970's London Welsh side? Is he the sort of coach they need at the Ospreys? A bit of steel, but with the sense to give the backs some free reign?

Glas- can't help regarding their Playing style but it's interesting you mention the Ospreys.

Do you recall a while back that we were in talks regarding a link up between the clubs?

It sounded like a great initiative, I think we were going to farm out young/recovering players. It would certainly have circumvented the poor quality of the premiership. Probably would have been of massive benefit for our young forwards too.

But of course the WRU quashed the talks...

It would have been great. A real win-win. Man U have always fostered such links. Brendan Rodgers at Swansea is benefiting from his links with Chelsea. You don't see the FA blocking his loan deals. Sometimes I despair I honestly do!