MARTIN Whitcombe has returned to Bradford & Bingley to oversee rugby operations.

The 53-year-old former England B prop replaced Nic Corrigan at Wagon Lane in October, 2010, staying there until January, 2012, when he resigned as director of rugby for personal reasons.

He helped the Bees to fourth place in National League Three North in 2010-11, and that was the position they were in when the former Leicester, Bedford, Sale and Leeds Tykes front-rower left them.

Whitcombe then joined Old Grovians, taking the Apperley Bridge club to two promotions in three seasons – they are now only a division below the Bees, who have failed to hit the heights since he left, although Stuart Dixon and Ronnie Kelly almost rescued them from relegation in 2013-14 after the departure of Henry Paul.

However, they have been relegated for two successive seasons, culminating in the departure of Dixon and Kelly for work-related reasons earlier this week.

Whitcombe, who developed an all-encompassing structure at the Bees during his previous 15 months in charge, will again head up all rugby-related activities at Wagon Lane, from seniors right down to the juniors.

Peter Rae, the Bees' chairman of rugby, said: "I think everyone associated with the club was absolutely devastated by our relegation at the end of last season (2014-15), and we desperately needed something to give the club a lift to get ready for the challenges of 2015-16.

"We have already confirmed several new players to the current squad and I am absolutely delighted to be able to confirm that Martin has agreed to rejoin the club, and I can't wait for us to be able to start the process of preparing for our first league game in September."

However, delight was the furthest thing from the mind of John Radigan, his counterpart at Old Grovians, who said: "Old Grovian were devastated by the news their director of rugby, Martin Whitcombe, was moving on.

"Martin has been a great asset to the club over the last few seasons and has worked hard with the team to develop a style of rugby which has seen the team promoted to Yorkshire Division Two.

"Martin has left behind a solid coaching foundation, headed by Dave Lister and supported by Dan Nulty.

"Martin has many friends at the club, who I am sure join me in wishing him well at his new club and reminding him he will always be welcome at Old Grovians."