Martin Whitcombe has resigned as director of rugby at Bradford & Bingley.

The 50-year-old, who took over from Nic Corrigan in October 2010, helped the Bees to finish fourth last season in SSE National League Three North, and they are currently fourth in the same division.

The club issued a statement this tea-time which said: ‘Martin Whitcombe has resigned from his position as director of rugby at Bradford and Bingley RFC with immediate effect for personal reasons.

‘Chairman of the Bees, Peter Rae, said: “The Bees are indebted to Martin for the tremendous job he has done in turning round the fortunes of this club, bringing a new generation of excellent local talent into the squad and putting in place a structure that will serve the club well for many seasons.

“I would like to thank him personally and on behalf of the whole of the rugby club.

“We wish him well for the future and he will always be most welcome at Bradford and Bingley.”