Wharfedale hope to reward coach James Tiffany with a win on Saturday against in-form fourth-placed Launceston in his last home game.

The former Otley forward is to leave the Dalesmen shortly after Christmas to pursue a teaching career in New Zealand.

This is an ambition that Tiffany has been working on for some time.

Indeed, he disclosed it to the Greens at the outset, and now an opportunity to go Down Under has arisen.

Wharfedale’s director of rugby Michael Harrison is full of praise for his departing coach, who has taken the club into fifth place in National League 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 Peel brothers completing an impressive all-round team.